You can get a laptop with the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program by receiving a one-time discount of up to $100. To qualify, you must meet specific income or government assistance criteria. This program aims to bridge the digital divide, helping families access essential online services. If you’re eligible, you can enroll through participating providers or online. The EBB’s benefits for low-income households are substantial, but the program has transitioned to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Key Takeaways
- The EBB Program offers a one-time device discount of up to $100 for laptops, desktops, or tablets.
- A co-payment of $10-$50 is required for device purchases.
- Eligible households must meet income or assistance program criteria.
- The program concluded on December 31, 2021, and transitioned to the ACP.
- Participating providers offer devices with EBB discounts.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Overview
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program was designed to help low-income households stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing significant discounts on internet services and devices.
As an eligible household, you can receive a monthly discount of up to $50 on broadband services, with up to $75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
Additionally, you can get a one-time device discount of up to $100 for purchasing a laptop, desktop, or tablet from participating providers, provided you make a co-payment between $10 and $50.
Program Background and Funding
When Congress established the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, it allocated $3.2 billion to help low-income households cover broadband service costs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This funding aimed to improve internet access for these households. You could also receive a one-time device discount of up to $100 for laptops, desktops, or tablets.
The program supported essential connectivity for remote work, education, and healthcare, ensuring that low-income households could stay connected.
The EBB Program played a vital role in bridging the digital divide until it transitioned to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, you’ll need to meet certain criteria.
Your household is eligible if you have an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline.
Additionally, you qualify if you’re approved for free or reduced-price school meals, receive a Federal Pell Grant, or have experienced a significant income loss due to job loss since February 29, 2020.
Income Limits
Eligibility for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program is based on several criteria, including income levels. Your household’s income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify.
This income limit guarantees that low-income families can access affordable internet services. Additionally, experiencing a substantial job loss since February 29, 2020, also qualifies households, provided their total income in 2020 was below certain thresholds.
These criteria help guarantee that the benefits reach those who need them most.
Program Participation
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program is designed to support households struggling to afford internet services by offering specific eligibility criteria.
To participate, your household must meet one of the following criteria: have an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, be part of programs like SNAP or Medicaid, qualify for free school meals, or have received a Federal Pell Grant.
Additionally, if you’ve experienced substantial income loss due to job loss, you may qualify.
You can receive one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Household Eligibility
As you consider taking advantage of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program to get a laptop, it’s essential that your household meets specific criteria.
To qualify, you must fulfill one of the following conditions:
- Income level: Your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Federal assistance: Participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline.
- Other factors: Receive a Federal Pell Grant or experience income loss due to job loss since February 29, 2020.
Financial Assistance Offered
Through the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program, you can receive significant financial assistance to purchase essential devices and access broadband services.
The program offers a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop, or tablet, with a co-payment between $10 and $50.
It also provides a monthly broadband discount of up to $50, supporting low-income households in acquiring internet access.
This financial assistance aims to bridge the digital divide, enhancing technology access for underserved communities during the pandemic.
Program Duration and Transition
Launched on May 12, 2021, the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program served as a timely solution to help low-income households access broadband services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program’s duration was short-lived, shifting into the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) on December 31, 2021.
Here are key points about the shift:
- Program Shift: Moved from EBB to ACP.
- Enrollment Deadline: Applications for ACP won’t be accepted after February 7, 2024.
- Final Assistance: The last month of fully funded assistance under ACP is projected to be April 2024.
This helps guarantee continued technology access for low-income households.
Applying for the Emergency Broadband Benefit
To apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, you’ll need to demonstrate eligibility by providing proof of income or participation in qualifying assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid.
You can start the enrollment process by contacting your preferred participating broadband provider or by visiting the program’s website to find local providers and begin your application.
Once eligible, you can choose a plan and potentially receive additional benefits, such as a one-time discount on a device purchase.
Program Eligibility
You qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program if your household’s income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if a household member participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline.
To qualify, consider these criteria:
- Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch: Approved for the National School Lunch Program.
- Federal Pell Grant: Received during the current award year.
- Substantial Loss of Income: Experienced due to job loss or furlough.
Apply through a participating broadband provider.
Enrollment Process
The enrollment process for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program is straightforward and offers several options for signing up.
You can apply directly through a participating broadband provider or online at GetEmergencyBroadband.org. Alternatively, call 833-511-0311 to request a mail-in application you’ll return with proof of eligibility like income documentation or evidence of SNAP or Medicaid participation.
Once approved, you’re eligible for a monthly discount and a one-time device discount—up to $100 off a laptop, desktop, or tablet if you pay a co-payment.
Maintain your eligibility and renew to keep benefits.
Participating Broadband Providers
Because the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program relies on partnerships with approved providers, finding one that offers the discounted services and devices is an essential step for eligible households.
These participating providers offer a device discount and internet service discounts. Here are some key points about them:
- Participation and Discounts: They provide up to $100 off laptops, desktops, or tablets, with a co-payment required.
- Internet Service Discounts: Eligible households can receive up to $50 (or $75 on Tribal lands) off monthly broadband bills.
- Provider Selection: You can find a list of providers at GetEmergencyBroadband.org.
Eligible Devices and Services
Now that you’ve identified a participating broadband provider, it’s time to focus on the eligible devices and services available through the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program.
The EBB Program offers a one-time discount of up to $100 for eligible devices like laptops and tablets from participating providers. You must contribute more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase.
Eligibility often depends on participation in government assistance programs or income levels. This allows you to access affordable technology while maintaining active enrollment in the EBB Program.
Funding for Connected Devices
- Eligible households must make a co-payment of more than $10 and less than $50.
- Connected devices are essential for remote learning and telehealth services.
- Funding through the EBB improves internet access for low-income households.
Benefits for Low-Income Households
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program offers significant financial assistance to low-income households by providing a one-time discount of up to $100 for laptops, desktops, or tablets, as long as you contribute between $10 and $50 towards the purchase.
You can also receive a monthly discount of up to $50 on broadband services, helping you access online education and telehealth.
If you’re part of qualifying assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid, you’re eligible for these benefits, which help bridge the digital divide and support remote learning and work opportunities.
Transition to the Affordable Connectivity Program
As the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program came to a close on December 31, 2021, it transitioned into the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which continues to support low-income households in accessing affordable broadband services.
Under the ACP:
- Eligible households can receive a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop or tablet.
- They get a monthly discount of up to $30 for internet service.
- Households on qualifying Tribal lands receive up to $75 off their internet service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Get $100 off Laptop With ACP?
To get a $100 laptop discount through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you’ll need to enroll in the program, contribute between $10 and $50 towards the laptop cost, and purchase from a participating provider, enhancing affordable technology and digital equity with financial assistance and better internet access.
Does ACP Give You a Laptop?
Millions of laptops could be magically affordable, but the ACP doesn’t give you a laptop for free. You get a discount of up to $100 when purchasing a qualifying device if you meet the laptop eligibility criteria.
What Is the Emergency Broadband Benefit for Laptops?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit offers a one-time laptop discount, enhancing laptop affordability for eligible households. It provides financial assistance for internet access, requiring program eligibility through income or assistance programs.
Did the Ebb Program End?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program ended on December 31, 2021, shifting to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). You check program updates, eligibility criteria, and the application process to understand these changes.
Conclusion
You can get a laptop with the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, like finding a key to access digital doors. This program offered a one-time discount of up to $100 for devices, helping low-income households bridge the digital divide. While the EBB is no longer available, its legacy lives on through the Affordable Connectivity Program, which continues to support internet access for those in need, ensuring they stay connected like a lifeline.
