Q: I already participate in Lifeline for my phone bill costs. Will I now automatically receive the new Emergency Broadband Benefit that was announced?
A: No. Lifeline and the new Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) are two separate assistance programs from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Those already receiving Lifeline program benefits do meet the criteria for the new program, but are required to enroll, or opt-in, to receive the new program benefit.
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of eligible people’s phone or internet expense. To participate in the program, consumers must have an income that is at or below 135 percent of federal poverty guidelines or participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or certain tribal programs.
The new EBB is an effort to address the inequities in access to broadband internet experienced by marginalized groups, such as low-income older adults and families, older adults of color, and those living in rural areas or on tribal lands.
For those who already have social or economic needs, the COVID-19 pandemic has made barriers to technology even greater. Older adults without reliable home internet and technology are often unable to participate in the online tools needed to access health and income supports, such as telehealth services, portals for economic impact payment eligibility and benefit programs, and, most recently, COVID-19 vaccine appointment scheduling.
The EBB provides a monthly discount on broadband service, and associated equipment rentals, of up to $50 per eligible household (or up to $75 per eligible household on tribal lands.) Additionally, a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50) is available. Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.
It’s important to note, the EBB program will end when the fund runs out, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.
Various broadband providers, including those offering landline and wireless broadband, will be participating in the EBB. Depending on where you live, you may have a choice of providers. Check with your provider and other broadband providers in your area to learn about their plans for program participation and eligible service offerings. The discount is applied to individual accounts as the funds go directly to the participating broadband provider.
There are three ways to apply for the EBB program:
- Use the online application (available in English and Spanish) at GetEmergencyBroadband.org
- Print or request a printed application in English or Spanish (instructions also are available in eight other languages). Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to: Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
- Ask your provider if they participate in the EBB Program. Participating companies can help you apply through the National Verifier or through their company’s application process.
Those who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language can call the FCC’s ASL consumer support line at 844-432-2275.