Families Can Now Get $50 Off Their Monthly Internet Bill With New FCC Program

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More than 800 internet providers have partnered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to cut families a break during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, designed to keep Americans connected to the internet during the pandemic, consumers can apply for $50 off their monthly internet bill.

Consumers living on tribal land are eligible for a $75 monthly discount in the program. The FCC is also offering up to $100 discounts on a computer or tablet to eligible households, however consumers are required to put at least $10 and no more than $50 towards the purchase.

FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said that the program would have a “tremendous, positive impact on so many American households,” Consumer Affairs reports.

“It’s an investment in American families and a vote of confidence in the economic power of getting us all online,” she said.

“High-speed internet service is vital for families to take advantage of today’s health, education, and workplace opportunities. And the discount for laptops and desktop computers will continue to have a positive impact even after this temporary discount program wraps up.” 

In order to qualify for the $50 monthly internet discount, households must:

• Have an income of or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in certain assistance programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
• Have received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
• Be approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
• Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating internet service provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program; or
• Be a low-income household that has suffered a large loss in income during the pandemic since February 29, 2020. Households must have had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.

To apply, consumers can contact their broadband provider to learn about their application process; visit GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers; call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with copies of documents showing proof of eligibility to the Emergency Broadband Support Center (P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742).

The program will continue until its $3.2 billion in federal funding runs out, or until six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the pandemic.

Have you struggled to keep on top of your bills during the pandemic? Let us know in the comments section!

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