The Affordable Connectivity Program was replaced by the Emergency Broadband Benefit on December 31, 2021. For more information about the Affordable Connections Program, visit fcc.gov/ACP.
EBB: What it is and how it works
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel provides an overview of emergency broadband benefits.
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Consumer warning: A fake website falsely solicited registration for emergency broadband benefits and collected personal information from consumers.
Important Updates to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
Congress created a new long-term program, the $14 billion Affordable Connectivity Program, to replace the Emergency Broadband Benefits Program. This investment in affordable broadband will help ensure you have the long-term connectivity you need for work, school, health care, and more.
Households enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program as of December 31, 2021 will continue to receive their current monthly benefit during the 60-day transition period.
What’s changing?
- The monthly benefit cap for households will change from $50 per month to $30 per month. do not have Located on eligible tribal lands. The monthly benefit for households living on eligible tribal lands will continue to be $75 per month.
- Households now have new ways to qualify for the Affordable Connections program, including receiving WIC benefits and having incomes at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines.
- Households that have experienced a significant decrease in income as a result of unemployment or furloughing after February 29, 2020, or meet eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s COVID-19 program, may re-qualify for emergency broadband benefits. must be obtained. Affordable connectivity programs. These households will be notified by their program administrator (USAC) or internet service provider in January 2022 with additional details regarding the necessary steps and will be given at least 30 days to respond. They will continue to receive the full amount of their emergency broadband benefit until March 1, 2022.
Most households receiving the Emergency Broadband Benefit do not need to do anything to continue receiving the new $30 monthly benefit after the transition period ends on March 1, 2022. If your monthly benefit reduction increases your out-of-pocket costs, your service provider will contact you to determine if you need to take additional steps to continue receiving your Affordable Connection Program benefits. It will be announced.
Households living on eligible tribal lands will continue to receive the $75 monthly benefit and do not need to do anything to continue receiving Affordable Connections Program benefits.
Once the transition period ends on March 1, 2022, the monthly discount will be reduced to $30 for all legacy EBB participants who do not reside on eligible tribal lands. If you are concerned about a potential increase in your monthly service bill or are interested in changing to a different service plan, please contact your provider.
Have questions about transitioning from the Emergency Broadband Benefit to the Affordable Connectivity Program? For more information, see the Emergency Broadband Benefit FAQ.
About emergency broadband benefits
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program that helps families and households who are struggling to pay for internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, essential medical services, virtual classrooms, and more.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides up to $50 per month in discounts on broadband services for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households living on eligible tribal lands. Eligible households will receive a one-time discount of up to $100 when purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from a participating provider if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 towards the purchase price can also do.
Emergency broadband benefits are 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 its members meet the following criteria: One Among the following criteria:
- Have an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or participate in certain assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline.
- Approved to receive benefits under the Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provisions, during the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year. ing.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Since February 29, 2020, your income has decreased significantly due to unemployment or furlough, and your 2020 household gross income was less than $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers. there were.or
- Meets eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program or COVID-19 program.
The Affordable Connectivity Program was replaced by the Emergency Broadband Benefit on December 31, 2021. Interested in enrolling in ACP? Apply now at GetInternet.gov.
For more information about the Affordable Connections Program, visit fcc.gov/ACP.
Transfer of benefits
Recipients of the Emergency Broadband Benefit may transfer their monthly benefit to a new participating service provider at any time. To transfer your benefits to another provider, contact your new provider and ask them to transfer your benefits. You do not need to cancel your benefits or services with your current benefits provider before requesting a transfer.
Get more consumer information
For more information about benefits, please see the Broadband Benefits Consumer FAQ.
