An assistance program exists to help qualified individuals who will be or possibly have acquired broadband internet service to their home.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is funded through the Federal Communications Commission and administered through Arkansas state government. It will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households. Those qualifying may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers.
To qualify, a household must meet one of the following criteria:
– Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or participates in assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid or Lifeline;
– Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 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 Feb. 29 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers;
– Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income of COVID-19 program.
Congress has allocated $3.2 billion to fund the EBB program, which will end when the funds are exhausted or six moths after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.
Eligible households may enroll through an approved broadband provider or by visiting GetEmergencyBroadband.org. Information on the program may also be found at BaxterCounty.org.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI