Could you stand to lower your cell phone bill? Some major wireless carriers are offering customers $50 a month off if they take advantage of a new program.
The Temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit is a federal government program that provides eligible customers a benefit of up to $50/mo. on home or wireless internet service.
Who’s Eligible For The Temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit?
You might be wondering if you qualify for the program. If you’ve been financially affected by COVID-19 or currently participate in financial assistance programs, you could be eligible.
Here are the eligibility rules according to the FCC:
- Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in some assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
- Approved for free and reduced-price school lunch program.
- 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 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
The temporary relief program is for all those who are eligible to participate. If you live on federally designated tribal land, you can get up to $75 off on your cell phone bill.
How To Apply
You can apply for the Temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit in one of three ways:
- 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 copies of documents showing proof of eligibility to:
Emergency Broadband Support Center
P.O. Box 7081
London, KY 40742
Final Thoughts
Families will qualify for only one monthly benefit per household on a qualifying mobile broadband service plan.
If your carrier is Cricket Wireless, the company reserves the right to cancel the monthly benefit at any time. If your monthly service charge is $0 after the benefit, you must use the service each month, or the benefit will be discontinued.
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