By Randy Silikoski On 31 May 2022
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How do i get an emergency broadband benefit free tablet

If you are a low-income individual or family, you may be eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. This program provides a discount on your monthly broadband bill and includes a free tablet for eligible households. To apply for the program, visit the Emergency Broadband Benefit website or contact your broadband provider.

What Is An Emergency Broadband Benefit Free Tablet?

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Free Tablet is a special program that provides a free tablet to low-income households who cannot afford to purchase one outright. This benefit is part of the FCC’s Lifeline program, which offers discounts on monthly broadband service to eligible low-income households.

How Does The Emergency Broadband Benefit Work?

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide a temporary discount on monthly broadband internet service for eligible households. The program will provide a discount of up to $50 per month, or $75 per month for eligible households on tribal lands. Households can use the benefit for any provider of broadband internet service that accepts the program.

To be eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit, households must meet one of the following criteria:

-Have an eligible telecommunications carrier sign up for the program on their behalf.

-Have a child eligible for the National School Lunch Program or receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

-Receive benefits from the Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline program.

-Have a total household income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

-Demonstrate a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020.

-Demonstrate that they are eligible for a free or reduced-price school lunch program.

-Have experienced a substantial disconnection of their internet service.

-Live on federally recognized Tribal lands.

-participate in certain Tribal programs that determine eligibility based on income.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide a discount on the monthly cost of broadband internet service, and will be available to eligible households beginning in late May 2021.

Who Qualifies For An Emergency Broadband Free Tablet?

If you're on certain benefits, you may be able to get a free broadband connection and a free tablet or laptop.

The government has set up a scheme to help people get online who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it. If you can't afford broadband and you're on certain benefits, you may be able to get a free connection and a free tablet or laptop.

To get free broadband, you must:

Be aged 18 or over

Receive Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit

Have a household income of less than £16,190

Not have been in employment for the last three months

Not have access to any other form of broadband

To get a free tablet or laptop, you must:

Be aged 18 or over

Receive Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit or Housing Benefit

Have a household income of less than £16,190

Not have been in employment for the last three months

To apply for free broadband or a free tablet or laptop, you'll need to fill in an online form.

What Tablets Are Available On The Emergency Broadband Benefit?

The Federal Communications Commission has authorized up to $3.2 billion from the CARES Act to help eligible households with the cost of broadband during the COVID-19 pandemic. This benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month on broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands.

As of June 16, the following companies have announced their participation in the Emergency Broadband Benefit program:

-Altice USA

-Amtrak

-AT&T

-Charter Communications

-Comcast

-Cox Communications

-Frontier Communications

-Mediacom

-Optimum

-Sprint

-T-Mobile

-Verizon

-Windstream

The program is still in the process of being rolled out, so additional companies are expected to participate.

Conclusion

If you are eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit, you can get a free tablet from the government. To get the tablet, you will need to fill out an application and provide proof of eligibility.