Over 7.3 million low income households have had a chance to benefit from a stimulus package known as the Emergency Broadband Benefit, or EBB.
This allows families to get $75 dollars a month to help pay for internet connection. People need to collect now while there’s still $2.3 billion left.
To date, only $859 million has been collected.
Benefits are up to $50 per month off a broadband bill for eligible families, and $75 off for families on Tribal lands.
The program will also give a one time discount of $100 off of a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer purchased through a participating company.
The discount requires the consumer to pay $10 to $50 for the device.
All funding through the EBB expires when the funds are used or 6 months past the date that the end is declared to the COVID-19 health emergency.
In order to qualify, you must have one of the following things. Your family must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty line and participate in food stamps, Medicare, or Lifeline. You must approved to get free or reduced school lunches and breakfasts. You must have received a federal Pell Grant during the year. You must have experienced a substantial loss of income, or meet the criteria for the existing low income COVID-19 program.
To sign up, families can contact a participating broadband provider, visit GetEmergencyBoroadband.org, or mail in a printed out application to Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Related: There are over one million households in New York without internet access
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