The Emergency Broadband Benefit, a temporary program that provides discounts on monthly Internet bills and one-time device purchasing benefits, will open to consumers on May 12th.
Consumers will be able to apply at https://getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply
A robust media-kit to help spread the word to eligible households is available at https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-outreach-toolkit (I recommend the Infographic, available in Spanish).
What is the benefit?
Eligible households can receive a $50 per month discount on their Internet bill with participating service providers. Households that qualify on Tribal lands can receive up to $75 per month discount.
This program ends either when the funding is depleted, or six months after HHS declares an end to the COVID-19 pandemic (whichever first). When the benefit comes to an end, consumers must opt-in to continue service with the provider.
Households may also receive a one-time $100 credit towards purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet computer. A co-pay is required and must equal more than $10 and less than $50.
Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.
Who is eligible?
Your household qualifies for the Emergency Broadband Benefit if it has an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines OR any member of the household:
Qualifies for Lifeline benefits through participation in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit;
Participates in one of several Tribal specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard), Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 with a total household income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers;
Received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year;
Received approval for 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; or
Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program, and that provider received FCC approval for its eligibility verification process.
Does my provider participate?
A full and up-to-date list of particiapting service providers in Idaho can be found here: https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers#Idaho