On May 12, 2021, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created a new program called the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), designed to help qualifying low-income households receive discounts on their monthly internet and broadband service bills.
The program aims to remove the price barrier to reliable internet service that many low-income and underprivileged households face during the COVID-19 pandemic. For people with disabilities who meet the EBB program criteria, this can mean critical assistance in obtaining reliable internet that will help secure access to services like video phone calls, telehealth appointments, and the ability to access disability-related goods and services online, all at a reduced internet rate. The EBB program is temporary and will continue until the funding for the program runs out.
What can I receive?
- Up to $50/month discount every month on broadband services and equipment rentals
- Households on Tribal lands receive up to a $75/month discount every month
- Participating broadband service providers can be reimbursed up to $100 if they provide a household with a connected device (e.g., laptop, desktop computer, tablet), as long as the household spends more than $10 but less than $50 for the device. To take advantage of this benefit, it must be done through your participating broadband service provider, and you must contribute part of the cost for the connected device.
Who’s eligible?
- Households that have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal poverty guidelines.
OR
- A member of the household participates in one of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Lifeline
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal programs (and you live on qualifying Tribal land)
- Eligible for a participating broadband provider’s existing low income or COVID-19 program
OR
- A member of the household meets one of the following criteria:
- Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program
- Received a federal Pell Grant
- Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough beginning February 29, 2020
How do I apply?
You can apply in one of three ways:
- Contact participating broadband providers directly to find out more about their application process. You can find participating providers near you by clicking
- Go to gov to apply online.
- Call 833-511-0311 to receive a mail-in application or you can print a copy here. You can mail your application with proof of eligibility to:
Emergency Broadband Support Center
PO Box 7081
London, KY 40742
Additional information
- For a more in-depth look at EBB visit the FCC information page.
- For more information on eligibility, visit the Do I Qualify page.
- For a full list of participating providers in Arizona, visit the Emergency Broadband Benefit Providers page.
- For answers to frequently asked questions about EBB, visit the FAQ page.
