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You may be eligible to receive a monthly discount of $ 50 dollars for the coronavirus pandemic on your Internet service bill.
The Program of Benefits of Emergency Broadband was included as part of the COVID relief package – 19 of approximately $ 900, 000 million dollars approved by Congress in December 2020 and signed by former President Donald Trump who allocated $ 3, 200 millions of dollars for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to cover the program .
Internet service has been vital during the pandemic as a large number of Americans worked from home and the majority of students received classes online.
“This pandemic has made it very clear that broadband is no longer pleasant to have, it is necessary, for everyone, everywhere,” Jessica Rosenworcel, the acting president of the FCC, wrote on Twitter.
The FCC’s new Emergency Broadband Benefit starts TODAY. This $ 3.2 billion effort is the largest ever program in the US to address broadband affordability. It will help families nationwide get online for work, education, healthcare and more. #connectall https: // t .co / PuPyRSSti7
– Jessica Rosenworcel (@JRosenworcel) May 12, 2021
Near 800 broadband providers participate in the program, among them are large companies such as AT&T, Comcast, T-Mobile and Verizon .
The Emergency Broadband Benefit offers a discount of up to $ 50 dollars per month for eligible households and up to $ 75 dollars per month for households in rural areas . Households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $ 100 dollars for buy a laptop or tablet from participating providers if you pay more than $ 10 dollars and less than $ 50 for purchase .
Enrollment in the program began on Wednesday 12 of May. In case of being late in paying your broadband service bill you can also opt for federal aid
.
How do you know if you are entitled to the federal aid discount online?
You will be able to receive the Broadband Emergency Provision ( EBB) if you are also entitled to the program Lifeline , which helps Low-income Americans gain access to broadband Internet services. You can also receive the discount if you are a beneficiary of Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Any household with equal or lower income to the 135% of Federal Poverty Line may be a candidate for the aid, as well as if you participate in the free school lunch program.
People who had a substantial reduction in your income since 29 February 2020 and are below $ 80, 000 dollars for single taxpayers and $ 198, 000 dollars for couples filing one tax return as a whole.
About 6.5 million beneficiaries who receive the Pell grant will be able to receive the discount , as reported by the Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.
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How can you enroll in the Emergency Broadband Benefits?
You must visit the program’s website Get Emergency Broadband for more information On how to get the benefits.
You can search for Internet providers that offer the discount and are available near your home. You must submit your tax return , the Social Security among other documents. Applications will be available online starting next week.
The FCC already has on its website a list of participating companies across the country . In case you do not receive the benefits of the Lifeline program, you should contact the companies directly.
The pandemic has proven, and continues to prove, that all Americans need reliable # broadband and wireless connections. Through the @ FCC ‘ s Emergency Broadband Benefit, we’ll be offering eligible customers low-cost connectivity. Learn more: https://t.co/upJsNh 53 Mp . # DigitalDivide . pic.twitter.com/wZaWAWnHpD
– AT&T Public Policy (@ATTPublicPolicy) April 29, 2021
Comcast has a longstanding commitment to helping people connect — and stay connected — to the Internet. The federal government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit program is a welcome step in directly assisting those in need, and we’re proud to participate. https://t.co/aM9DqC7iK0
– Comcast (@comcast) May 3, 2021
To help close the digital divide, we’re participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program to offer more affordable options for low-income customers who are eligible. It’s part of our # CitizenVerizon plan to move the world forward for all. https://t.co/dfTOQDdTZz pic.twitter.com/FFRqVtEWfd
– Verizon (@Verizon) April 30, 2021
You should know that if you are a beneficiary you will not receive the money in a direct since the company you choose will get the money to cover the EBB discount.
How long will the broadband benefit assistance program last?
The program will end when the money runs out, It is estimated that it may last up to six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares the end of the health emergency due to COVID – 19 or whichever comes first, as reported by the FCC.
Before registering evaluate which is the best service since at the end of the program you will have to continue receiving the services of your provider and you must pay the full fee .
If you are a beneficiary of the program you must be notified with at least 60 days before the end of the help and your Internet provider must notify you with at least 30 days before the first invoice is charged without the discount.
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