Application process begins May 12 for federal Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

Eligible households can receive a discount on broadband service, equipment rentals, and one-time purchase of a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.

  • By Julie Murphy
  • | 7:10 p.m. May 12, 2021
Photo by August de Richelieu on pexels
Photo by August de Richelieu on pexels
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Temporary help is on the way that will cover some of the costs of broadband for qualifying low-income households through the Federal Communications Commission Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.

The FCC announced that residents can begin applying for and enrolling in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program on Wednesday, May 12.

“Flagler County isn’t actually involved outside of letting our residents know the program is available,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “There are criteria that have to be met, but it’s a great program for those who are eligible.”

Eligible households can receive the following:

  • Up to a $50 per month discount on broadband service and associated equipment rentals
  • 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)

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household. At least one person within the household must meet any of the following criteria:

  • Participates in the Lifeline Program
  • Approved to receive benefits under the free or reduced-price school meal program
  • Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program

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. Residents can apply directly through their current broadband provider or at https://getemergencybroadband.org/.

 

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