What is the Emergency Broadband Benefit?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is a program of the Federal Communications Commission. EBB will provide a discount of $50 off per month on internet bills for those who are eligible. Qualifying people who live on tribal lands can receive a greater discount of $75 off per month on their internet bills.
***IMPORTANT*** This is a TEMPORARY Program
Before you apply, it is important to know that the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will end when the fund runs out or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever happens first. Participating households will need to opt-in to continue receiving internet from their providing company after the EBB program ends. If a household chooses to continue receiving services after the end of the EBB Program, they will be billed the internet provider's regular monthly rate.
How do I Apply?
Here is an overview of the process - there are step-by-step instructions below. People that are Lifeline customers already qualify for EBB and do not need to reapply. Those that are not a Lifeline customer will first needs to make sure that you are eligible for the program and gather proof of eligibility, in case you need to provide that information. Then, you have three options to apply: 1) call a hotline; 2) print and mail an application; or 3) fill out their form online and upload proof of eligibility. ***If possible it is best to apply online because the turnaround time is fastest.*** If your application is approved, you will receive an EBB code that works like a coupon for $50 off internet service per month and an application ID number. If you do not have internet in your home, your next step is to identify internet service providers in your area. The final step for enrollment is to call the internet service provider that offers the strongest internet in your area, give them the EBB code and application ID, and discuss your internet options.
The steps below walk you through each part of the process in more detail. ***Call Tech Goes Home and leave a message if you have any questions: 423-521-2071.*** A team member will return your call and try to help.
The steps below walk you through each part of the process in more detail. ***Call Tech Goes Home and leave a message if you have any questions: 423-521-2071.*** A team member will return your call and try to help.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Are you already a Lifeline customer?
If yes, then you do NOT need to apply again for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. Talk to your Lifeline provider about services they may have available as part of the Emergency Broadband Benefit. including options to apply the discounts to your existing Lifeline service, or click HERE to find other internet service providers participating in the EBB Program to apply the benefit to a separate internet service.
Do you qualify based upon PROGRAM ENROLLMENT?
You are likely to be eligible if you, or your child or dependent, is enrolled in one of the following federal assistance programs:
Do you qualify based upon INCOME?
You may also qualify if you experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough, since February 29. 2020. If you think you qualify based upon income, you will have to show proof of the job loss or furlough, like a termination letter or furlough notice, as well as proof of your total income, like a tax return or official documentation that has income information,when you apply for the EBB Program. To qualify in this way, your total household income in 2020 must be at or below $99,000 (for single tax filers) and $198,000 (for joint tax filers).
You may also qualify if your household income is at 135% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The table below reflects 135% of the 2021 Federal Poverty Guidelines - check to see if your annual household income is less than the figure listed next to the size of your household:
If yes, then you do NOT need to apply again for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. Talk to your Lifeline provider about services they may have available as part of the Emergency Broadband Benefit. including options to apply the discounts to your existing Lifeline service, or click HERE to find other internet service providers participating in the EBB Program to apply the benefit to a separate internet service.
Do you qualify based upon PROGRAM ENROLLMENT?
You are likely to be eligible if you, or your child or dependent, is enrolled in one of the following federal assistance programs:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs
- Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year
- Enrollment at USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) School
Do you qualify based upon INCOME?
You may also qualify if you experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough, since February 29. 2020. If you think you qualify based upon income, you will have to show proof of the job loss or furlough, like a termination letter or furlough notice, as well as proof of your total income, like a tax return or official documentation that has income information,when you apply for the EBB Program. To qualify in this way, your total household income in 2020 must be at or below $99,000 (for single tax filers) and $198,000 (for joint tax filers).
You may also qualify if your household income is at 135% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The table below reflects 135% of the 2021 Federal Poverty Guidelines - check to see if your annual household income is less than the figure listed next to the size of your household:
Step 2: Gather Proof of Eligibility
Federal Assistance Program Enrollment Qualifications
To prove your enrollment in one of the federal assistance programs listed above, provide documentation that includes:
Document Examples and Tips:
Income Qualification
If you qualify through your income, you will need to provide a document that shows your annual income is at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Documentation must include:
Document Examples and Tips:
To prove your enrollment in one of the federal assistance programs listed above, provide documentation that includes:
- Your (or your dependent's) first and last name
- The name of the qualifying program, such as SNAP
- The name of the government, Tribal entity, program administrator, school district, university, or college that issued the document
- An issue date within the last 12 moths or a future expiration date.
- For the Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, documents can be from either the 2019-2020 or the 2020-2021 school years.
- For Federal Pell Grants, documents should be from the current award year
Document Examples and Tips:
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
- For Federal Pell Grant recipients, documents should be from this academic year and can include screenshots of a StudentAid.gov dashboard or a copy of the email sent by the Department of Education about the EBB Program.
Income Qualification
If you qualify through your income, you will need to provide a document that shows your annual income is at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Documentation must include:
- You (or your dependent's) first and last name
- Your annual income
Document Examples and Tips:
- Prior year's state, federal, or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- A Social Security statement of benefits
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Worker's Compensation statement of benefits
- Divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income
- A retirement/pension statement of benefits
Step 3: Apply
***You have various options to apply. The options are detailed below.***
Option 1: By Phone -- Call 1-833-511-0311
Option 1: By Phone -- Call 1-833-511-0311
