The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a monthly discount on broadband service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute a small amount toward the purchase price. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Who Is Eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
A household is eligible if one member of the household:
- Qualifies for the Lifeline program;
- Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, 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 since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating providers' existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
Where Can I Sign Up for the Benefit?
Beginning May 12, 2021, eligible households will be able to enroll in the program and receive a monthly discount on the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. To enroll, please visit Get Emergency Broadband.
For more information about the broadband benefits program, please visit the FCC website.
- Infographic (PDF | Spanish)
- Poster (PNG | Spanish PDF)
