Jones-Onslow EMC is helping build awareness about Emergency Broadband Benefit, a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. The temporary benefit will help lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The $3.2 billion program provides a discount of up to $50 a month for broadband service for eligible households. Eligible households also can receive a one-time discount of up $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the following criteria:
- Has an income that is at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid or the FCC’s Lifeline program.
- Approved to receive benefits under the free or reduced-priced school lunch program or the school breakfast program in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year.
- Experienced a substantial loss of income through 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.
- Received a federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Meets the criteria for participating provider’s existing in low-income or COVID-19 program.
Learn more at the Federal Communications Commission website or by call 833-511-0311.