The Emergency Broadband Benefit (“EBB”) to help households struggling during the pandemic
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (“EBB”) is a temporary Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) program to help households struggling to afford internet service during the pandemic. This new benefit will connect children to school, seniors to telemedicine services, and New Yorkers to jobs and other vital services. The application period is open and is first-come, first-serve.
Eligible enrollees can receive a credit up to $50 monthly toward broadband service (or $75 monthly for households on tribal lands). A one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase an internet-accessible device (laptop, desktop, tablet, etc.) from participating providers is also available.
The EBB has broad eligibility criteria. A household is eligible if it meets one of the following:
• Has an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Section 8 or Lifeline;
• Receives benefits under the federal 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 Lifeline, low-income or COVID-19 program.
The FCC has prepared an FAQ for consumers to learn more about the program.
Please feel free to contact info@utilityproject.org or 877-669-2572 if you have any questions. PULP recently created a landing page concerning internet resources available for low-and fixed-income New Yorkers.
If you have concerns about utility rights during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit PULP’s COVID-19 utility rights and moratorium page. For financial concerns, visit PULP’s HEAP page.
