Press Releases Share Print #21-007 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) APPROVES EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES Under the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, low-income families who qualify can receive a $50 monthly credit towards their internet bills through their internet provider.Eligible families will also be given a one-time $100 discount on a tablet or computer, according to the FCC. Congress approved $3.2 billion for the federal initiative in a relief bill passed last year.“My colleagues and I are thankful for this great program critically needed by students and the unemployed to get digitally connected. A $50 monthly credit towards internet bills will bring noticeable relief to those affected by this pandemic,” said Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes.Lawmakers pushed for the subsidies to help low-income families pay for their internet bills after many families and students were forced to start working or learning remotely from home during the pandemic.Eligible families include those who are currently on Medicaid, have received a Pell grant, use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or have lost employment due to the pandemic.Prior to the implementation of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, low-income households were provided $9.25 a month in federal subsidy for broadband through FCC’s Lifeline program.To apply, please log on to https://fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit or call 1-888-225-5322.
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