Emergency Broadband Benefit

Cash & expenses | Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

EveryoneChildren (0-13)FamiliesImmigrantsNYCHA residentsPeople with disabilitiesPregnant & new parentsSeniorsStudentsYouth (10+)VeteransCOVID-19 impacted

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) gives a temporary discount on your household's monthly broadband internet service if you are eligible. Participating broadband providers will apply this discount to your broadband plan.

Heads Up

EBB enrollment ended on December 30, 2021. However, you can sign up for the new (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/affordable-connectivity-program/) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to get a $30 monthly discount on internet service.
  • If you enrolled in EBB by December 30, 2021, you will get the $50 monthly discount until March 1, 2022.
  • After March 1, households with EBB can transition to the ACP to get a lower $30 monthly discount.
  • The ACP changes some eligibility rules from the EBB. Most households with the EBB will be able to transition to the ACP. Some may need to re-enroll under a different eligibility qualification. Your internet provider will notify you about your options.

    • Eligibility

    A household is any person or group of people who live together at the same address and share money. Check here (https://getemergencybroadband.org/do-i-qualify/what-is-a-household/) for more information on what a household means.Your household is eligible if any of the below applies to any household member:

  • Receives benefits through the (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/lifeline/) Lifeline program
  • Participates in one of the following government programs:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
  • Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
  • Lost their job or was furloughed after February 29, 2020 and the household's income in 2020 was:
  • At or below $99,000 for single filers, or
  • $198,000 for joint filers
  • Received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year
  • Participates in the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program (Ex: School Meals at NYC public schools) during the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year
  • Qualifies for a participating internet provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 relief program.Your household is also eligible if its income is at or below the amount shown:
  • Household size|Maximum income (135% or less than the federal poverty level)
  • 1|$17,388
  • 2|$23,517
  • 3|$29,646
  • 4|$35,775
  • 5|$41,904
  • 6|$48,033
  • 7|$54,162
  • 8|$60,291
  • For each additional person|add $6,129

  • Required Documents

    For online applications:

  • The online application will tell you which documents to submit.
  • Apply online (https://getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply/) to receive the benefit as soon as possible.For mail applications:
  • Include one of these:
  • Proof of program participation
  • Proof of job loss or furlough, and current income
  • Proof of household income
  • Also include proof of identity and addressYou do not need a Social Security Number to apply. However, you will need to submit one of these alternative documents:
  • U.S. government-issued ID
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. driver’s license
  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)Proof of program participationYou may submit a document that proves a household member participates in:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
  • Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
  • Federal Pell Grant for the current academic year
  • Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program during the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school yearSubmit one of the following:
  • Benefit award letter
  • Approval letter
  • Statement of benefits
  • Benefit verification letter
  • School enrollment form (to prove participation in free or reduced price school lunch or breakfast)The document must have:
  • Household member's first and last name
  • The name of the qualifying program
  • The name of the government, tribal entity, program administrator, school, school district, university, or college that issued the document
  • An issue date within the last 12 months or a future expiration dateProof of job loss or furlough, and current incomeYou may submit one document to show you lost income and one document to show your current incomeSubmit one of the following for loss of income:
  • Layoff or furlough notice
  • Unemployment application, approval letter, or benefit statementSubmit one of the following for your current income:
  • 2020 state, federal, or tribal tax return
  • Social Security statement of benefits
  • Veterans Administration statement of benefits
  • Retirement or pension statement of benefits
  • Unemployment or Worker's Compensation statement of benefits
  • Divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your incomeThe document must have:
  • Your first and last name
  • Your change in income or job status
  • Your current household incomeProof of household incomeYou may submit proof that your household income is 135% or less than the federal poverty level.Submit one of the following:
  • Prior year's state, federal, or tribal tax return
  • Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
  • A Social Security statement of benefits
  • Veterans Administration statement of benefits
  • Unemployment or Worker's Compensation statement of benefits
  • Divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income
  • A retirement/pension statement of benefitsThe document must have:
  • Household member's first and last name
  • Annual incomeProof of identity (if you have a Social Security Number)Submit one of the following:
  • Government, military, state, or tribal ID
  • Driver's license
  • Birth Certificate
  • Government assistance program document
  • Certificate of US Citizenship or Naturalization
  • Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
  • Social Security Card
  • Most recent W-2 or tax return
  • Military discharge documentation
  • Unemployment/Worker's compensation benefitsThe document must have:
  • Your first and last name
  • Your date of birth
  • The last 4 digits of your social security number and/or tribal IDAlternative proof if you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN)If you do not give the last four digits of your Social Security number when applying, you must submit a copy of one of these documents:
  • U.S. government-issued ID
  • U.S. passport
  • U.S. driver’s license
  • Individual Taxpayer Identification NumberProof of addressSubmit one of the following if applying by mail:
  • Driver's license or other valid government, state, or tribal ID
  • Utility bill
  • Mortgage or lease statement
  • Most recent W-2 or tax return
  • A map that clearly shows your physical address or location, including latitude and longitude coordinates (coordinates are required if you live on tribal lands)The document must have:
  • Your first and last name
  • Your physical addressProof of emancipated minor status if you are under 18Submit one of the following:
  • Court document
  • CertificateThe document must have:
  • Your first and last name
  • Confirmation of emancipated minor status

    How to Apply

    There are many ways to apply for EBB:

  • Apply Online
  • Complete the online application (https://getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply/) (available in English and Spanish).*
  • You may receive an immediate approval after you apply.
  • If your eligibility cannot be proven automatically, you will be asked to submit more documents.
  • Apply by Mail
  • Print an application in English or Spanish (https://getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply/) (instructions are also available in 8 additional languages).*
  • Complete the application. Gather any documents that prove your eligibility.
  • If there is more than one household at your address, include the Independent Economic Household Worksheet (https://getemergencybroadband.org/do-i-qualify/what-is-a-household/) in your application.
  • If you are under the age of 18, include proof that you are an emancipated minor.
  • Send your application and documents to:
  • Emergency Broadband Support CenterP.O. Box 7081London, KY 40742
  • Apply through your internet company.
  • Ask your phone or internet company if they participate in the EBB Program, or find an EBB provider (https://getemergencybroadband.org/companies-near-me/) near you to get help applying.After your application is approved, you can choose a EBB provider (https://getemergencybroadband.org/companies-near-me/) that offers the EBB discount and sign up for service.
  • At least 30 days before the benefit ends, your EBB provider will tell you the last date or billing cycle that you can get a full or partial discount on your bill.
  • You can choose to opt-in to continue receiving internet service at the full, non-discounted rate.*If you already receive Lifeline benefits, you don't need to submit an application. Contact an EBB provider (https://getemergencybroadband.org/companies-near-me/) to request service instead.

    Online

  • Complete the online application (https://www.checklifeline.org/lifeline/?id=nv_flow&ebbp=true) (available in English and Spanish).
  • If you already receive Lifeline benefits, you don't need to submit an application. Contact an EBB provider (https://getemergencybroadband.org/companies-near-me/) to request service instead.
  • You may receive an immediate approval after you submit an application.
  • If your eligibility cannot be proven automatically, you will be asked to submit more documents.
  • After your application is approved, you can choose a EBB provider (https://getemergencybroadband.org/companies-near-me/) that offers the EBB discount and sign up for service.
  • At least 30 days before the benefit ends, your EBB provider will tell you the last date or billing cycle that you can get a full or partial discount on your bill.
  • You can choose to opt-in to continue receiving internet service at the full, non-discounted rate.

    Apply Online

    By Mail

    Get Help

    Visit the websiteVisit getemergencybroadband.org (https://getemergencybroadband.org/) for more information. Call the Emergency Broadband Support CenterCall 833-511-0311 (mailto:[email protected]) 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Eastern time7 days a weekCall your broadband providerContact your broadband provider if you have questions about your device, service, or bill. Email the Emergency Broadband Support CenterEmail [email protected]

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