Emergency Broadband Benefit Ends AFC begins March 1 2022

[calendria]

 

 

Starting March 1 2022 the new discount benefit for internet is going down to up to  $30.00 off your bill monthly.  If you are as I was enrolled for the $50.00 discount monthly you are automatically going to receive this reduced discount according to my provider and this webpage from the govt.   

The Affordable Connectivity Program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit on December 31, 2021. Learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program by visiting fcc.gov/ACP.

https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit


  Quote " Most Emergency Broadband Benefit households will not have to take any action to continue receiving the new $30 monthly benefit after the transition period ends on March 1, 2022. If your out-of-pocket costs will increase as a result of the reduced monthly benefit amount, your service provider will contact you to let you know if you need to take any additional steps in order to continue receiving the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit. "


The maximum monthly benefit will change from $50 per month to $30 per month for households not located on qualifying Tribal lands. The monthly benefit will remain at $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
Households have new ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program such as: receiving WIC benefits or having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Households that qualified for the Emergency Broadband Benefit due to a substantial loss of income as a result of a job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, or by meeting the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's COVID-19 program, will need to requalify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. These households will receive additional details about the steps they need to take from the program administrator (USAC) or their internet service provider, in January 2022, and will be given at least 30 days to respond. They will continue to receive their full Emergency Broadband Benefit until March 1, 2022.


This was a lifesaver for me, and many many others, over 10 million to be exact are enrolled in this lower internet cost saver!

[Jsnugs]

Thank you for this information. I check and yes this does help my family 

[plennis]

I am going top look into this today.  At this point anything helps with the cost of things.

[ssarber]

I don't know what this is, but good for those that get help.

[cathy37]

I hate that because it has been a great benefit for me because I live on a fixed income.  I'm glad we will still get $30 instead of them discontinuing it altogether.

[calendria]

 

Be sure and let anyone that qualified know because of unemployment or income decrease, that they have to re-qualify.  This is automatic for others though, no need to re-apply.

Quote:   "Households that qualified for the Emergency Broadband Benefit due to a substantial loss of income as a result of a job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, or by meeting the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's COVID-19 program, will need to requalify "

[calendria]

I don't know what this is, but good for those that get help.

They take $30.00  (or up to $30.00)  off your internet bill ..  No problem here with that!  LOL

[calendria]

 

Here's the whole scoop!  Read this! 

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/how-to-get-30-off-your-monthly-internet-bill-new-program/ar-AATZNsE?ocid=msedgntp

Out with the old, $50.00 credit in with the new (up to ) $30.00 credit.

[dreamyxo]

I signed up for it and was approved but I already had internet so I didn't take advantage of it. 

[calendria]

I signed up for it and was approved but I already had internet so I didn't take advantage of it. 

I already had internet also for years, still got the $50.00  credit each month and now a $30.00 credit on the new program!  They also have computers and tablets for as low as $20.00, one per household.  Should call your internet provider to get it started on your account!  Note:  It makes up for the money I'm losing here on FC!!

[Donnamarg323]

Calendria,TY for this info.

I checked up just now on it and your household income must be under a certain amount.

We dont qualify for it cos our income was higher then what they allow,BUTTTTTTTTTT we have an older son who lives with us and he might actually qualify and im thinking of putting our Verizon Fios bill under his name.

Ill keep you all posted if we succeed cos maybe someone else out there is in same situation as we are.

[calendria]

 

i called my provider and they said everything was set, got march already, now april

[dsawan]

yeah, depending on income you may not qualify. I work two jobs and thats a no no for me

[ktheodos]

Thanks for the information

[calendria]

 
Who Is Eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as 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, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 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 February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Households enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program as of 12/31/21 will continue to receive their current monthly benefit during a 60-day transition period.

What's changing?

The maximum monthly benefit will change from $50 per month to $30 per month for households not located on qualifying Tribal lands. The monthly benefit will remain at $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
Households have new ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program such as: receiving WIC benefits or having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Households that qualified for the Emergency Broadband Benefit due to a substantial loss of income as a result of a job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, or by meeting the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's COVID-19 program, will need to requalify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. These households will receive additional details about the steps they need to take from the program administrator (USAC) or their internet service provider, in January 2022, and will be given at least 30 days to respond. They will continue to receive their full Emergency Broadband Benefit until March 1, 2022.