The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount toward broadband Internet service along with a one-time discount to purchase an applicable device.
If your child receives free or reduced lunch, your family is likely eligible for this benefit, even if you are already paying for Internet service. In order to qualify, please ensure you have a Household Income Form (HIF) on file with our school district, and that you’re eligible based on that form.
WHAT IS THE PROGRAM?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program provides:
- Up to $50/month discount for Internet service.
- Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider if the household contributes more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:
- Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline.
- Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020.
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
Check out www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit for additional details and other program resources.
HOW CAN I APPLY?
There are three ways to apply:
- Contact your preferred participating Internet provider directly to learn about their application process. Most Northern Kentucky providers, including Spectrum/Charter, AT&T, T-Mobil, Cincinnati Bell, and more are participating in the program. Click here for a full list of Kentucky’s providers. [LINK TO: https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers#Kentucky]
- Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.
- Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to:
Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742
Call 833-511-0311 or find more information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit at www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit. Or, you can contact Stefanie Stubblefield, Instructional Coordinator of Technology for Erlanger-Elsmere Schools at [email protected] or 859.727.2009 Ext. 116.