Qualifying Requirements?

Your household qualifies for the Emergency Broadband Benefit if it has an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines OR any member of the household:

Qualifies for Lifeline benefits through participation in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit;

Participates in one of several Tribal specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard), Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;

Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 due to job loss or furlough AND has a total household income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers;

Received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year;

Received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year; or

Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program, and that provider received CHANGE HERE approval for its eligibility verification process.

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household. Program rules acknowledge there may be more than one eligible household residing at the same address.

Your household qualifies for the Get Broadband program if it uses any Government programs below:

Qualifies for benefits through participation in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit.

If participates in one of several Tribal specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 2019 due to job loss or furlough AND has a total household income in 2019 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.

Received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year for any student.

Received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year

Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program. See Below.

Only one device and is allowed per household. There may be no more than one eligible household residing at the same address.

Qualify Through Your Child or Dependent

With Get Broadband and Emergency Broadband Benefit programs any member of your household can make your household eligible. For example, if your child or dependent receives Medicaid or participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program.

If You Already Receive Emergency Broadband Benefit Service

If you currently receive EBB benefits, you automatically qualify for the Get Broadband. Apply now to see what services can be approved.

If Your Household Uses SNAP, Medicaid, or Other Gov. Programs

You can receive the Get Broadband program if you (or someone in your household) participates in ONE of these federal assistance programs:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps

Medicaid

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

Tribal Specific Programs:

Free/Reduced Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program

Any student that received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

You may need to show a card, letter, or official document as proof that you participate in one of these programs when you apply for the Get Broadband

If Your Household Experienced a Job Loss or Furlough or Household Income Below Certain Level

If you experienced a substantial loss of income since February 2019 because you lost your job (including if you lost your business) or were furloughed, you may qualify for the Get Broadband Program.

The applicant will have to show proof of the job loss or furlough, for example a termination letter or furlough notice, as well as proof of your total income, a tax return or official documentation containing income information when you apply for the Get Broadband Program. To qualify in this way, your total household income in 2019 must be at or below $99,000 (for single tax filers) and $198,000 (for joint tax filers).

 

You will have to show proof of income, like pay stubs or a tax return, when you apply for the Get Broadband Program.