Affordable broadband internet service for low-income households

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford broadband internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program opened on May 12th and provides eligible households:
  • Up to $50/month discount for broadband service;
  • Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands; and
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider if the household contributes more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Who is Eligible? 

A household is eligible if a member of the household:
  • Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
  • Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, or did so in the 2019-2020 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;
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program; or
  • If the household has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Check out www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit for a Consumer FAQ and other program resources.

Three Ways to Apply

  • Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.
  • Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.
  • Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to:
    Emergency Broadband Support Center
    P.O. Box 7081 London, KY 40742
For more help regarding the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, call 833-511-0311 or find more information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit at www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.

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