The FCC, in collaboration with qualified US wireless providers, participates in the EBB program. This program seeks to support individuals with telecommunication services who have been adversely affected by the pandemic, bringing the whole world to a standstill. However, Assurance Wireless EBB program participation varies by state and region, and various broadband providers for fixed internet, mobile internet, or both can participate in the program.
Notable, participants may or may not provide discounts on a new tablet, laptop, or desktop. Thus, you can check on the Assurance Wireless tablet. Besides, you can follow the FCC’s chart to identify the carriers participating in your state or region. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (acronym as EBB Program) was launched by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to enable low-income families to stay connected to the digital world during the pandemic.
However, the current Lifeline members do not have to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program or give any new documents to prove their eligibility. If your family qualifies for the EBB program, you can get up to $50 on your monthly internet bill or up to $75 a month if you reside on Tribal lands. Interestingly, there may also be a stipend for eligible devices, such as laptops and tablets.
About Assurance Wireless EBB
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) started the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program to assist families and households unable to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The EBB Program enrollment began on May 12, 2021, and terminates its services when the program’s funds are depleted or immediately after six months after completing a public health emergency.
Moreover, the Assurance Wireless EBB provides a temporary discount of up to $50 per month for broadband service and involves equipment rentals for eligible households. Plus, up to $75 per month for households residing on qualifying Tribal lands. Besides, the eligible households can also get a one-time discount of up to $100, with a $10-$50 needed co-payment, to an emergency broadband benefit free tablet, laptop, desktop computer, or from eligible providers.
Qualification For Assurance Wireless EBB
A household qualifies for the Assurance Wireless EBB program if it has an income that lies at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty standards, Or if any member of the household:
- Participates in qualifying government assistance programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid.
- Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or Lifeline.
- Get benefits through the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program.
- Get a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Undergone a substantial loss of income due to job loss or layoff since February 29, 2020, and your gross household income in 2020 was equal to or under $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
- Attain the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income.
On the other hand, the EBB comes limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Sign Up Process for the Emergency Broadband Benefit
When registering up for the EBB, it will automatically require you to confirm your personal information. However, if the program cannot get the correct information, you will have to avail documentation. The required details include the prior year’s tax returns, child support, paycheck stubs, your Social Security number, and so on.
Additionally, if you’re currently participating in Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other programs, you may have to show official documentation. However, you may not necessarily have to apply for the EBB. Most importantly, below are the few ways you can enroll for the EBB:
- Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org and sign in through the online method
- Call or chat online with your internet service provider
- Use the official EBBP tool to identify a participating provider near you
- Print and mail an application to the
- Emergency Broadband Support Center address.
If you make an online application at GetEmergencyBroadband, you have to avail the following information:
- Your full name
- Your current address
- Your year of birth
- A form of ID: Either your Tribal ID number, social security number, Or some government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, taxpayer ID, Or passport number
- A scanned picture or photo of your ID (if you don’t have a scanner, you can take a photo with your phone)
However, mailed applications should include proof of eligibility a cover sheet showing the following details to identify the applicant:
- Full names
- Date of birth
- Home address and the
- Last four digits of your Tribal identification number, Social Security Number, a government-issued ID, driver’s license,
- Passport, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number documentation
Filled applications should be forwarded to the following address:
Emergency Broadband Support Center
London, KY 40742
Applicants should not send original documents using the mail. However, the participating internet service providers have an alternative application process for existing customers’ enrollment for the EBB Program. Therefore, customers should contact Assurance Wireless directly to know more.
1) Qualifying Program Participation
If you qualify for the EBB Program through participation in one of the qualifying programs, you must submit an official document as proof. Documentation must include:
- Applicant’s (or dependent’s) full name
- The qualifying program name, such as SNAP
- The name of the government, program administrator, Tribal entity, school district, university, or college that
- Issued the document
2) Household Income Participation
If the applicant qualifies through their income, they will require to submit an official document verifying their household income. Documentation must include:
- Applicant’s (or Dependent’s) first and last name
- Applicant’s annual household income
3) Document Relevant For Eligibility
- Prior year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from employer or paycheck stub
- A Social Security statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Workers Compensation statement of benefits
- Divorce decree, child support award, or other official document showing the applicant’s household income
- A retirement pension/ statement of benefits letter
4) Identity Verification
Applicants have many choices when verifying their identity. All identity documents must include the applicant’s full name and date of birth, and applicants can opt for one of the following documents:
- Social Security Number (is not necessary to participate in the EBB Program)
- Tribal Identification Number
- US Driver’s License
- Other Government-issued IDs, such as a state ID
- US Military ID
- Passport
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
5) Address
The EBB Program benefit is bound to one monthly internet discount or one discounted device per household. Therefore, applicants must avail documentation verifying their address. Documentation must include:
- Applicant’s first and last name
- Applicant’s physical address
Final Words
Assurance Wireless offers an exciting new Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) to assist students, low-income families, and others adversely affected by the last pandemic afford for internet costs. However, you need to understand how much internet plan this provider will cost you after the program ends. If you don’t switch or terminate your internet plan, Assurance Wireless can charge you the total price after the EBB Program ends.