Common Cause Georgia Urges Residents to Apply

Up to $50/month discount for broadband internet service

Households with low incomes — and those that have experienced a substantial loss of income during the COVID pandemic — may be eligible for the Federal Communications Commission’s “Emergency Broadband Benefit.”

The program pays up to $50/month for a household’s broadband internet service. There are three ways to apply:

1. Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.
2. Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.
3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility.

A household is eligible for the program if a member of the household meets one of these criteria:

1. 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;
2. Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year;
3. Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
4. Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020; or
5. Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

This is a temporary FCC program. It will end when the program’s funds are exhausted or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declares the end of the COVID-19 health emergency.

“We know that millions of Georgians do not have broadband service — and for many families, it is a matter of cost. This program can help families afford internet connectivity, at a time when high-speed broadband access is more critical than ever,” said Common Cause Georgia Executive Director Aunna Dennis.

“Common Cause advocated for and shaped this new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program to be more inclusive and robust — to help bridge the digital divide for low-income households struggling to afford a broadband connection,” Dennis said. “If you or anyone you know could benefit from this program, learn more and see if you qualify at fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit or by calling 833-511-0311.”