Emergency Broadband Benefit Available

May 13, 2021

Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher households are eligible to enroll in the Emergency Broadband Benefit.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) subsidy program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

EBB provides a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households. Eligible households may also be able to 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 toward the purchase price.

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

• Has an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline (Note: Households receiving federal Public Housing assistance, including Housing Choice Vouchers, are eligible for 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 Internet Service Provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Eligible households can enroll through an approved Internet Service Provider or by visiting GetEmergencyBroadband.org.

Here are three ways to enroll:

• Enroll online at GetEmergencyBroadband.org
• Connect directly with participating Internet Service Providers
• Download and print mail-in applications (in English or Spanish, with instructions available in 9 other languages, or you can call 833-511-0311 to receive applications in the mail)

Here are three resources you can use to promote the EBB in your community:

• Share EBB Outreach Materials
• Watch the FCC’s EBB Webinar
• Check out the EBB FAQ

Please check the EBB website, www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit, for the latest information. Please send questions to broadbandbenefit@fcc.gov.