FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible families to jobs, critical healthcare services, and virtual classrooms.
Benefits
The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide:
- a discount of up to $50 per month for broadband services purchased by eligible households and up to $75 per month for households located on Tribal lands.
- a one-time maximum discount of $100 for purchase of a desk, laptop or tablet computer from participating providers; however, consumers must contribute $10-$50 toward the actual purchase price.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Who is Eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
A household is eligible if one member of the household:
- Qualifies for the Lifeline program;
- Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, 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 since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
When Can I Sign Up for the Benefit?
Students can begin applying for and enrolling in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program on May 12, 2021.
For questions, please email Texas Financial Wellness at financialwellness@utexas.edu or visit financialwellness.utexas.edu to schedule an appointment with a financial wellness team counselor.