The Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s Emergency Broadband Benefit launched on May 12th. This benefit provides a discount of $50 per month for eligible low-income households or $75 per month for households on Tribal lands to cover internet bills, as well as discounts on some devices. This program can also be combined with Lifeline benefits.
Reliable home internet and technology provide older adults with more options to access important services and supports, including legal assistance, telehealth services, and portals for economic impact payment eligibility and benefits programs.
The FCC has announced that eligible households can apply for the program in three ways:
- Contact participating broadband providers directly to learn about their application process.
- Visit GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers.
- 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.
Individuals who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432-2275 (videophone).
There are resources available to help advocates advertise the program to their clients and community, and it is especially important to share this information with populations who face the greatest barriers to connectivity, including older adults of color, those living in rural areas, and other marginalized groups.
- FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Outreach Toolkit – CLICK HERE
- The Leadership Conference Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Outreach Launch Toolkit – CLICK HERE
- Administration for Community Living & FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Webinar Recording – CLICK HERE
Source: National Center on Law & Elder Rights – https://ncler.acl.gov/