The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) will provide assistance to families in need during the pandemic.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is a program in which Congress appropriated $3.2 billion to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help low-income households pay for broadband service and connected internet devices during the pandemic. With registration set to open on May 12, 2021, this new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, and virtual classrooms. Acting FCC Chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel, says, “We need to use all available tools to get 100% of us connected in this country and this program is an essential part of making that happen.”

What it Covers

EBB will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households. There is a limit of one monthly service discount per household. It’s a temporary program and will end when the fund runs out of money, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency – whichever is sooner.

Qualifications

The FCC has engaged the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC) to implement the EBB Program, using the existing framework of the Lifeline program for subscriber eligibility, enrollment, and service provider reimbursement. Consumers who are eligible for both the EBB program and the Lifeline program can apply for and participate in both programs, up to the full cost of their monthly broadband service. Those already receiving Lifeline benefits will not automatically receive EBB; they must OPT IN with Twin Valley. If you do not have Lifeline you must APPLY for Lifeline and EBB services. Twin Valley is an EBB participant.

Your household qualifies for the EBB if it has an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines OR any member of the household:

• Qualifies for Lifeline benefits through participation in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit;
• Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020, with a total household income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers;
• Received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year.

Application Process

There are three ways to apply for EBB. Applications are available now.

• Online application with USAC.
• Print and complete the full application and send with proof of eligibility to:
  • Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742
• If you are already a Lifeline customer you can opt-in:
  • Email completed application to broadbandprogram@twinvalley.net
  • Print and mail application to Twin Valley, P O Box 395, Miltonvale KS 67466

The FCC is working to make this benefit available as quickly as possible. Check out the Broadband Benefit Consumer FAQ for more information, and the USAC website for the latest updates and application form.