By: Madison Ewing, Legal Intern, Volunteer Lawyers Program
The Federal Communications Commission’s new Emergency Broadband Benefit offers a
temporary discount up to $50 monthly for low income residents or $75 for Tribal Land
households. This cost aims to cover internet bills or broadband services and devices to increase
accessibility to necessary online tools. If eligible households contribute between $10 and $50
towards the purchase of a device, they may receive up to $100 in a one time discount offer.
How to Apply:
Households found eligible must apply for the program and contact a participating provider for
selection of a service plan.
You can apply through one of the following:
1. Contact broadband providers regarding their direct application process using the FCC’s
portal: http://www.fcc.gov/broadbandproviders
2. Apply online using the FCC’s portal: https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit
3. If you are unable to apply online, call 833-511-0311 or visit
https://getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply/ for a mail-in application to return with proof of
eligibility to:
Emergency Broadband Support Center
P.O. Box 7081
London, KY 40742
Eligibility:
Households are eligible if a member meets one of the following:
● Income is at or below 135% poverty guidelines or participates in assistance programs.
● Has been approved to receive benefits through the reduced price school lunch program or
the school breakfast program in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year.
● Received a current Federal Pell Grant.
● Experienced substantial loss of income due to job loss of furlough since February 29,
2020 that resulted in the household having a total income of equal to or less than $99,000
for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
● Is eligible for a participating provider’s low income or COVID-19 program.
Other Resources:
For more up to date information regarding the program, please visit:
https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit
This website includes information on the application and eligibility process.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Emergency Broadband Benefit:
https://www.fcc.gov/consumerFAQ
This website includes answers to all of your questions!
For questions or comments about the blog, please contact us at: Connections@sazlegalaid.org
