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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.