What is the emergency Broadband Benefit? And What Do I get it?

On May 12, 2021, on May 12, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced the emergency broadband benefit program (EBBP) to help assist those who live in certain areas pay for internet services. This article will explain what's included in the EBBP and how to determine your eligibility and apply. For more related articles visit Unlimited Wireless Internet.

What is The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?

The FCC's Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is an emergency plan designed to aid those affected by the COVID-19 epidemic, families with low incomes, and students who pay for internet charges. You may be eligible for any or all of these benefits based on your eligibility.

Amounts up to $50/month. for one broadband internet service
The cost can be as low as $75/month. towards one broadband internet service on tribal territories
Discount of up to $100 towards an electronic device (e.g., laptop, desktop, tablet)

Every household that qualifies can be provided with an EBB that will cover only one monthly broadband plan, and the one discounted device.

In the current situation, the EBB is only a temporary benefit. Therefore, if you think you could be qualified to receive benefits, you should try to avail the benefits whenever you can. The Emergency Broadband Benefit will end six months after the outbreak is declared ended by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or when the funds for the program are exhausted or exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Note:

This should not get confused with FCC Lifeline Program. If you're eligible for the EBB, the funds you'll receive are added to any Lifeline funds you've already received.

Can I be a qualified applicant?

Your household is eligible to receive an Emergency Broadband Benefit if it can meet at the very least one of these requirements:

You can qualify to receive Lifeline, SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), and Benefits for Veterans and Survivors Pension. Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
Participate in specific tribes in certain tribal programs
Participate in Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start (only households that meet the income qualification threshold), Tribal Temporary Assistance for the Neediest Families (Tribal TAF), and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
A significant loss of income from February 29 to February 29 in 2020 due to layoff or job loss resulted in a household's income lower than the $99,000 threshold for individuals filing on their own and $198,000 for joint filers.
Received a Federal Pell Grant in the present award year
Benefits were received through benefits from the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the School Breakfast Program (SBP), or the USDA Community Eligibility Provision for the 2019-2020 school year or the 2020-2021 school year.
Meets the eligibility requirements to be eligible for participation in an internet provider's low-income program.
The total household income is below 135 percent from the Federal Poverty Guidelines as per this table:

Household Size 48 contiguous States plus D.C. Alaska Hawaii

1 $17,388 $21,722 $20,007

2 $23,517 $29,390 $27,054

3 $29,646 $37,058 $34,101

4 $35,775 $44,726 $41,148

5 $41,904 $52,394 $48,195

6 $48,033 $60,062 $55,242

7 $54,162 $67,730 $62,289

8 $60,291 $75,398 $69,336

The application process is simple and quick! If you've already been granted financial aid to pay for your web service, Here's how to apply. (Feel free to go into the section that is most relevant to you.)

Lifeline customers:

If you're already enrolling with the FCC Lifeline Program, you don't have to be a part of the application process for Emergency Broadband Benefit separately. Simply contact your current internet provider directly to sign up for the program. You can also use the Lifeline or EBB discounts for the same or different services. Contact Your Lifeline provider to determine the plans available under the Emergency Broadband Benefit.

Low-income households:

If you aren't enrolled within the Lifeline Program, however, you receive the low-income household discount offered by your ISP, so you may not require the EBBP. In this instance, certain providers are approved by the FCC to automatically enroll you into the program. Contact your provider to get more details.

COVID-19 Relief Program participants:

Similar to families with low-income households affected by the COVID-19 epidemic could already be eligible to be enrolled in the EBB. If you have COVID-19 discounts for your internet service, your provider has FCC authorization to immediately enroll you into the EBBP. Contact your provider for more details.

General Applications

There are three methods to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit if you're not currently a member or one of these groups mentioned above.

Apply Online

Visit GetEmergencyBroadband.org and fill out an online application.
Make sure you apply to go through the Application (mistakes could result in more time waiting).
You should wait for a USAC representative to contact you regarding your request.

Apply By Mail

Print the Application for the Application in English and Spanish ( instructions are also available in 9 other languages).
Fill out the form and read it before sealing the Application inside an envelope.
Application for mail addressed to Emergency Broadband Support Center | P.O. London, KY 40742

Contact your Internet Service Provider

Contact the broadband service provider you are using directly to inquire whether they participate in the EBB Program or use HighSpeedOptions to locate companies that participate near your location. Participating providers can assist you with the application process via an application process that includes the FCC National Verifier or via their application procedure.

When You Fill out the Application

Once you've submitted an application and have it reviewed, once you've submitted an application USAC after you have submitted your Application, the USAC will send an email to discuss the results with you. Most applicants will receive a reply within a few hours if they submit their Application online, whereas mail-in applications may take anywhere from two to four weeks. We suggest applying online or contacting your current provider to get speedier approval.

If the USAC cannot complete the Application you submitted, they can require additional documents.

What Internet Providers offer the Benefit of Emergency Broadband Benefit?

Although the FCC offers a comprehensive list of companies that offer the EBB, it is apparent that the participants provide different services based on where you're situated. Some, for instance, offer fixed-speed internet or mobile either or both. Additionally, they could or may not provide the discount of $100 off an upgrade to a laptop, desktop, or tablet.

Look through this list of the top internet service providers part of this program to determine whether you're eligible to sign up for EBBP!

How long will the emergency Broadband Benefit Program be For?

When you're applying to an Emergency Broadband Benefit, it's crucial to be aware of this program's nature. It's only temporary. The EBBP will be terminated when the funds allocated are exhausted or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares that the COVID-19 epidemic is over, or whichever comes first.

If you begin an internet service with a partner provider, you must sign up to receive the service once the program is over. After that, consumers will be charged at the service's regular monthly cost to access the internet.