Emergency Broadband Benefit

Emergency Broadband Benefit

Helping Households Connect During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic can get help from the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). The EBB is through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. The new benefit will connect eligible households to online jobs, critical health care services, virtual classrooms and more.

About the EBB

The EBB will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households. For households on qualifying Tribal lands, it provides up to $75 per month. Those eligible can get a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers. This is for eligible households that pay more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase.

The EBB is limited to 1 monthly service discount, and 1 device discount per household.

Who Is Eligible for EBB?

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

  • Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid or the FCC Lifeline program;
  • 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;
  • 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.

How to Apply

Eligible households must both apply for the program AND contact a participating provider to select a service plan.

There are 3 ways to apply:

  1. Contact a participating broadband provider directly about their application process. If you are unable to apply through them directly, you will have to apply using option 2 or 3 below. Then contact a participating provider to select an eligible plan.
  2. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you. After you apply, you will have to contact a participating provider to select an eligible plan.
  3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application or print a copy , and return it along with copies of documents showing proof of eligibility to:

    Emergency Broadband Support Center
    P.O. Box 7081
    London, KY 40742

For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Go to Consumer FAQs for EBB.  

Which Broadband Providers Are Participating in EBB?

Various broadband providers, including those offering landline and wireless broadband, are participating in EBB. Find California broadband service providers offering EBB.

To learn more, visit www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.  

About Us
How To...
Careers
Latest News

Download the free Adobe Reader.

Materials available on this website in PDF format may require the free Adobe Reader to view. To download Adobe Reader for free from the Adobe website, click here.