How can I sign up for the Emergency Broadband Benefit?Emergency Broadband Benefit alt logo

The Affordable Connectivity Program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit on December 31, 2021. Learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program by visiting fcc.gov/ACP

Do I receive the funds directly each month?

No, the Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a monthly discount on broadband service of up to $50 per eligible household (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands). The participating broadband service provider will receive the funds directly from the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.

Which broadband providers are participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit?

Various broadband providers, including those offering landline and wireless broadband, will be participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit. Depending on where you live, you may have a choice of providers. Check with the broadband providers in your area to learn about their plans for program participation and eligible service offerings. You can find a list of participating providers by state and territory on this webpage, www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers.

What is the enhanced benefit amount for residents of Tribal Lands?

Eligible households on Tribal lands can receive a total monthly discount of up to $75. You can find out more about which areas are eligible Tribal lands by visiting this site: getemergencybroadband.org/do-i-qualify/tribal-benefit.

Emergency Broadband Benefit Transition

Eligibility

How To Apply

  • How can I apply?expand and contract
  • Can I apply directly with a provider?  expand and contract
  • Do I need to contact my preferred provider after my application is approved?  expand and contract
  • If I submit an application by mail how will I know if I was approved and when can I contact a provider to start receiving the benefit?  expand and contract
  • If I currently receive Lifeline benefits do I need to apply?  expand and contract
  • How is "household" defined for purposes of the Emergency Broadband Benefit?expand and contract
  • What documentation do I need to provide when I apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit?expand and contract
  • How can I prove my child is approved for the free and reduced-price school lunch or school breakfast program?expand and contract
  • Who do I contact if I have a disability and need help applying for the Emergency Broadband Benefit?expand and contract

Eligible Broadband Plans

Connected Devices

How does the $100 device benefit work?

Participating broadband service providers can be reimbursed up to $100 if they supply a connected device to a household, as long as the household pays more than $10 but less than $50 for the device. In other words, to take advantage of this benefit, it must be done through your participating broadband provider, and you must contribute a portion of the cost. The device benefit is limited to a laptop, a desktop computer, or a tablet. It does not include cell phones, large phones, or “phablets” that can make cellular calls.

If my child and I are part of the same household, can we each get our own connected device through the Emergency Broadband Benefit?

No. Each household is limited to a single device discount.

Tribal

Do individuals have to be Tribal members to qualify for the enhanced Tribal benefit?

No. Anyone living on eligible Tribal lands can receive the enhanced Tribal benefit. They do not need to be a member of a Tribe.

How do I know if my household is eligible for the enhanced Tribal benefit?

You can find out more about which areas are eligible Tribal lands by visiting this site: getemergencybroadband.org/do-i-qualify/tribal-benefit/.

Can I receive both the enhanced Tribal Lifeline Benefit and the $75 Emergency Broadband Benefit each month?

Yes. An eligible household on Tribal lands can receive both the $34.25 Lifeline Tribal benefit and the $75 Emergency Broadband Benefit. They can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately to a Lifeline service and a broadband service with the same or different providers as long as the provider is participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline-supported mobile service and a separate home broadband service that is supported through the Emergency Broadband Benefit.

Updated: 
Friday, December 31, 2021