Are You Eligible for a $ 50 Monthly Broadband Subsidy?
Millions of Americans without broadband Internet access can now qualify for a $ 50 monthly subsidy to pay their bills. As part of a stimulus softening bill passed last December, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is offering discounts to low-income households or those who lost significant income during the pandemic. Here’s what you need to know.
How the program works
The program targets “data-poor” households who either have unreliable or no Internet access. As the pandemic has shown , stronger connections can provide better job opportunities, access to digital health services, and better access to education for children.
If you are eligible, starting May 12, you can receive $ 50 per month for broadband services (up to $ 75 per month on eligible tribal lands), as well as a one-time discount of up to $ 100 on laptop or desktop purchases. , or a tablet from participating suppliers if they contribute between $ 10 and $ 50 towards the purchase price.
Who is suitable?
The benefit is available to households that meet one of the following criteria:
- Below 135% of federal poverty standards . Note that you may be required to provide proof of your total income, such as a tax return or letter from your job.
- Get involved in a broadband provider’s pandemic relief program.
- You are already enrolled in the following public assistance programs: SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans & Survivors Pension Benefit, and the FCC Lifeline program .
- Have children receiving benefits from the Free or Reduced School Lunch or School Lunch Program.
- Lost their jobs and saw their income drop “substantially” in the past year (earnings cannot be higher than $ 99,000 for individual applicants and $ 198,000 for joint applicants to qualify), although the FCC is not clear on what exactly “ significant”. … To be eligible, you will need to prove the loss of income, ideally by letter of termination or notice of termination.
Visit Am I Qualified for a complete list of qualifications. Applications will become available when the program opens on May 12, 2021 – to register, click here .