New Law Helps Veterans Get Discounted Internet
December 12, 2021
A new program from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) can help active-duty members, veterans and survivors get free or discounted internet, and even a $100 discount on a computer.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a $3.2 billion federal initiative to help lower the cost of high-speed internet for low-income Americans during the pandemic.
Eligible households will receive a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Program enrollees can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Discounted Internet Eligibility
Households are eligible for this program if a member 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 (SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline);
- Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 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 total income in 2020 was 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 Enroll
- Visit GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply or print out a mail-in application.
- Contact your preferred participating provider to select an eligible plan and have the discount applied to your bill.
- Find the list of Emergency Broadband Benefit Providers.
- Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.
To learn more about the original article on this topic, please see Military.com