The Emergency Broadband Benefit program has benefited millions of Americans by giving them access to many telecommunication services and gadgets. Since the breakup of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become more accessible for people to enjoy its benefits. The application process for the program takes a short time as it is a purely taken online process. Several internet providers have partnered with the federal government to ensure that people get the services as fast as possible. This article will look at apply for an emergency broadband benefit program with your service provider.
Users qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) by participating in Lifeline or a Lifeline-qualifying program by meeting specific income mandatory requirements. For example, those experiencing a substantial income loss since the onset of the pandemic. Those participating in EBB-qualifying programs like the free and reduced-price school lunch and breakfast program and the award of a federal Pell Grant are eligible for the program. Another benefit group is participating in an approved service provider’s low-income or COVID-19 program.
The service applies to users of low income or no income at all. People in such situations will get many benefits, such as free tablets and laptops. The article aims to exemplify who qualifies for the program and how the application process should be carried out. You will also know various service providers in partnership with the federal government to bring you this effective program. I hope this article will give much information as you need. Let roll on.
Who qualifies for the emergency broadband benefit program?
To qualify for the EBB program, you need to meet at least one of the following eligibility criteria:
- You should qualify for federal programs for Lifeline like SNAP, Medicaid, FPHA, SSI, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or other tribal programs recognized by your Provider.
- Your income level should be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Have participated in the following programs; the National School Lunch and breakfast Program (NSLP) and the USDA Community Eligibility Provision during the academic year, 2019–2020.
- Benefited a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Have experienced a sizeable loss of income since Covid-19 onset, resulting in a total income below $99,000 for a single household and $198,000 for joint households
- Meet eligibility criteria for a participating service provider’s own current low-income or COVID-19 pandemic program
Which Internet service providers are participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit?
The service providers listed below participate in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program). They are the top providers I choose for the reputable services they offer.
i) Verizon Wireless Company
The Provider strongly supports the FCC’s EBB program, and they believe in offering users a lot of choices to fit their needs best. Verizon made all present FiOS Mix & Match plans eligible for those participating in the Verizon Wireless EBB program to have the program up and running quickly.
Verizon believes that their current in-market FiOS Mix & Match plans, which over one million users enjoy today, give the most choice at the best value. These plans include no extra fees, and you can pay for only what you need. Some customers, however, prefer to stay on the legacy plans they had before.
They are promising to offer customers legacy FiOS plans for those enrolling in the EBB program. Their customer care teams are available by phone to guide eligible customers through the EBB process. You are encouraged to choose the best and most affordable alternative based on speed, price, and personal needs.
ii) Qlink Wireless
Q Link Wireless dedicates itself to helping consumers currently facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They are doing everything right to keep users connected during these continued abnormal times.
In quick response to FCC legislation, they proudly announced that they would be offering the proposed EBB program as part of the COVID-19 relief effort. You can get many benefits from this Provider through the EBB programs, such as Qlink wireless free tablet and other affordable internet plans.
iii) T-Mobile
T-Mobile EBB program provides a seasonal discount of up to $50 monthly towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 monthly for households on Tribal lands. You must be their current customer on an eligible rate plan to receive these benefits.
There are several plans eligible for EBB at T-Mobile. If you have an inquiry about your rate plan eligibility, you can visit a T-Mobile store or call Customer Care.
iv) Xfinity
Xfinity proudly supports the Emergency Broadband Benefit program and has made it available for its users of Xfinity Internet service. If you are a non-Internet Essentials Xfinity Internet customer, you must complete an eligibility form with the federal verifier. You will then sign up for the program and complete the application process.
New and existing can receive a temporary monthly credit of up to $50 monthly toward their Internet service and leased Internet equipment like ebb program laptops and cellphones.
v) Spectrum Charter Communications
Spectrum consumers with eligible plans can receive some dollars for the time of the EBB program as part of the company’s vision to help low-income internet users. The considerable discount is restricted to a monthly service credit per household. Once the application is approved, a $50 credit will be bided to your current bill cycle.
How to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
Step 1: Check whether you meet eligibility requirements
Before beginning to benefit from the EBB program, the first step is to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. You can refer to the eligibility criteria discussed at the start of the article. If you meet one or more of the criteria, it is easier to get through with the application process. Documentations like income proofs and certificates from participation programs are required. Ensure you have all of them to prove you are eligible.
Step 2: Begin the application process
Obtain the application forms from your service provider’s website or the emergency broadband benefit’s website. For those obtaining them from the EBB website, ensure to select your Provider as the participating Provider. If you don’t do so, the website will decide for you, and won’t be very pleasant.
Applications are purely made online or through mail-in applications. For those opting for mail-in applications, download the form from the website. You will fill it manually with all the required information.
Step 3: Submit the application form
For those making the online applications, once done with filling the form, click submit tab, and the search engine will send your application to the relevant recipients. Mail-in users will be required to obtain a specific address from the EBB website or your provider website. Then you will email your scanned application form and other required documents to that address. They will send a confirmation response to you once the email is received.
Step 4: Approval
The last option for your application process is approval. The process depends on the application process you use and the efficiency of your Provider. Online applications might take two to three business days to be approved by most swift providers. Mail-in applications might take longer than expected. Therefore is advisable to use an online application process.
Once approved, you are requested to visit the nearest Provider’s store, or they will send you details via email on how to get your EBB benefits.
How do I Get an Emergency Broadband Benefit-Free Tablet?
You must know which service provider works with the ebb to apply for ebb free tablet. If your current or previous service provider offers an ebb free tablet program, it can be more accessible. There are many service providers for the program, and it’s all based on your state. Some service providers are not found in all states.
You can follow the link to know which Provider is available in your state. Some of the reputable broadband service providers for the free tablets in the ebb program are; Excess Telecom, Verizon, ConnectTo, Etheric Networks, Assurance Wireless, AT&T, Comcast, Centex Wireless, Gila River Telecommunications, EnTouch Wireless, TruConnect, T-Mobile USA, Ting Internet, Viaero Wireless, boost mobile, Gen Mobile, and cox.
Bottom line
The emergency broadband benefit program is like the provider phone deals for new and existing customers in that you can get high-quality and reputable services for free. The article has listed some top five best services providers that proudly support the FCC EBB program for your benefit. You need to check your eligibility with a national verifier to apply for the program. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can immediately follow the article’s steps to start benefiting from the program.