[NFBofSC] Emergency Broadband Program through the FCC

[Ed Bible]

Thanks, for the great information. You did a good job of explaining the program.0

 

From: NFBofSC <nfbofsc-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Christina Moore via NFBofSC
Sent: Friday, May 28, 2021 12:43 AM
To: NFB of South Carolina Mailing List <nfbofsc at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Christina Moore <moorechristina107 at gmail.com>
Subject: [NFBofSC] Emergency Broadband Program through the FCC

 

Hello Everyone,

 

I thought the following would be interesting for people in our state to know and very useful financially. Hope it is helpful and/or something that can be passed along.

I have pasted below the description of this program because they describe it more thoroughly and properly than I might be able to:

 

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an  <https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-program> FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more.


About the Emergency Broadband Benefit


The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.


Who Is Eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?


A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

§  Has an income that is at or below 135% of the  <https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines> Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or  <https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers> Lifeline;

§  Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;

§  Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;

§  Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or

§  Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.


How to Apply


 <https://getemergencybroadband.org/> Apply Now

Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.

There are three ways for eligible households to apply:

1.    Contact a  <https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers> participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process. If you are unable to apply through them directly, you will have to apply using option 2 or 3 below, and then contact a participating provider to select an eligible plan.

2.    Go to  <http://getemergencybroadband.org/> GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you. After you apply, you will have to contact a participating provider to select an eligible plan.

3.    Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application or  <https://getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply/> print a copy, and return it along with copies of documents showing proof of eligibility to:

3.    Emergency Broadband Support Center

P.O. Box 7081
London, KY 40742

After you received a notice that you have qualified for the program, households must contact a participating provider to select an Emergency Broadband Benefit eligible service plan.

 

Again, I hope this is helpful to someone.

Christina

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