You may qualify for a broadband subsidy

You may qualify for a new broadband subsidy program that could help you pay for computer access to the World Wide Web and virtual health options.

The program has been introduced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help close the “digital divide,” as millions of Americans are working or learning remotely and adjusting to the use of telehealth.

As of May 12, eligible households will be able to enroll in the program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved broadband provider.

You may qualify for the enhanced subsidy if you:

• Have qualified for the Lifeline program, or
• Are on Medicaid, or
• Have received a Pell Grant, or
• Had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for a single filer or $198,000 for joint filers, or
• Lost employment during the pandemic. 

Lifeline is a federal program providing a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers.  Pell Grants help pay for college for students who are eligible to receive federal aid.

Until the end of the pandemic, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide eligible, low-income households with: 

• $50 per month credit on Internet bills through their broadband provider (in tribal areas, eligible households may receive up to $75 per month), plus
• $100 toward the purchase of a desktop computer, laptop or tablet. 

Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting https://getemergencybroadband.org.

Answers to frequently asked questions can be found on this site:  https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit