The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program is a federal initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to eligible households for internet service. The program was introduced to help bridge the digital divide, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when reliable internet access became crucial for remote work, online learning, telehealth services, and staying connected with loved ones.
The EBB program offers a monthly benefit of up to $50 (or $75 for households on Tribal lands) towards the cost of internet service. Initially, the program was set to end on December 31, 2020, but it was extended multiple times to ensure continued support for eligible households. The most recent extension sets the transition period to end on March 1, 2022.
During the transition period, eligible households will continue to receive the full $50 or $75 benefit, depending on their eligibility. The transition period allows for a smooth transition from the EBB program to other potential assistance programs or the regular cost of service.
It’s important to note that most households receiving the EBB benefit will not have to take any action to continue receiving the $30 monthly benefit after the transition period ends on March 1, 2022. This means that as long as the household remains eligible for the program, they will automatically receive a reduced benefit of $30 per month towards their internet service.
The reduced benefit of $30 per month is intended to provide ongoing support to eligible households, although it is lower than the full benefit amount. This reduction is a result of the transition period ending, and the EBB program shifting its focus towards longer-term support mechanisms.
To ensure a smooth continuation of the reduced benefit, it is crucial for eligible households to verify their ongoing eligibility and compliance with program requirements. This typically involves periodic recertification or attestation to confirm that the household still qualifies for the benefit.
The specific process for verifying eligibility may vary depending on the participating internet service provider (ISP) or administrator of the EBB program. It is important for households to stay informed about any updates or notifications from their ISP or the EBB program administrator to ensure they continue to receive the reduced benefit after March 1, 2022.
The stimulus internet credit provided through the Emergency Broadband Benefit program will continue after the transition period ends on March 1, 2022. Most eligible households will automatically receive a reduced benefit of $30 per month towards their internet service without needing to take any additional action. However, it is important for households to stay informed about any eligibility verification processes required by their ISP or the program administrator to ensure continued benefit receipt.