Get all the Coronavirus COVID-19 Benefits Available
Government EBB program takes $50 off your internet bill.
If you’ve read Marriage or Medicaid: Did You Know There is a Medicaid Marriage Penalty?, you know I haven’t always seen eye-to-eye with the governmental powers that be. However, there are some times when the government gets it right when it comes to helpful programs for the people. Due to so many experiencing hardships from COVID-19 Coronavirus, the Emergency Broadband Benefit was implemented to save you money.
If you’ve experienced a drop in income in 2020 due to work furlough or unemployment, if you’re considered a low-income household, or if you’re already enrolled in certain government programs, you may be eligible for up to $50 off your monthly internet bill.
What is the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
“The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households.” https://getemergencybroadband.org/
Eligible Households Can Receive:
- Up to a $50 per month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals (E.g. If you’re an Xfinity customer and use one of their routers, the discount would apply to that.)
- Up to a $75 per month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands (My 1% Native blood does not qualify me, but Natives deserve every discount.)
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50) *Not all providers offer this benefit.
Things You Should Know:
- You’ll get one discount a month on your service per household. Also, only one connected device discount is allowed per household. So, if you and your partner qualify, only one should apply if you live together.
- The connected device discount only applies to consumers who enrol in the EBB Program with a participating provider that offers connected devices. Not all service providers offer device discounts, but you can still apply to one who doesn’t and receive the household service discount. I qualify, so I can use the discount with Cricket Wireless or Xfinity, but neither offer device discounts.
- “The program will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.” https://getemergencybroadband.org/
How to Apply Now!
To apply visit GetEmergencyBroadband.org or call 1 (833) 511–0311 with any questions.
First, I accessed the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program at GetEmergencyBroadband.org. I determined if I qualified by checking the requirements. You can qualify in a number of ways. Was your household income under $99k? Do you receive SSI, Medicaid, or Survivors Benefits? How about a Pell Grant for college? It’s worth checking out.
Next, I created an account on the National Verifier website and applied online by clicking the “Apply Now” button. You can print out an application and mail it in if you prefer but that may cause an unnecessary delay. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a temporary program so I’d act fast!
I received my eligibility status on the spot. I had an option to choose between Cricket Wireless and Xfinity since they both participate in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB). I decided on Xfinity.
Then, I signed into my Xfinity account, clicked “Support” and searched “EBB”. I followed their instructions to apply for the discount with them. If you haven’t already, they suggest you go to the National Verifier website so the government can determine if you’re eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB).
If you already received your eligibility status, you can immediately go to www.xfinity.com/ebb to fill out their enrollment form and sign up for the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
Your provider will likely have a similar process for you to follow. It’s that simple! So why not get all the coronavirus COVID-19 benefits available?!
Resources:
Federal Communications Commission: Emergency Broadband Benefit
