How To Get An Emergency Broadband Benefit Free Tablet: One of the most well-known emergency response programs in the US is Emergency Broadband Benefits, introduced to help people during the tough times of the covid-19 pandemic. When the covid program was in effect, people who couldn’t afford smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc., benefited from it.
We have provided all the details below that will assist you in getting a free tablet as part of the emergency broadband benefits. The program is designed for people who need help to afford tablets or gadgets because of their high prices. You should take a look at it.
Eligible low-income individuals and students could obtain free EBB tablets and discounts by participating in the EBB program. A free EBB tablet is available for low-income families and students through any EBB service provider, on the official website, or by mail.
What Is An Emergency Broadband Benefit Free Tablet?
A new government program, Affordable Connectivity Program, has replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, or EBB, as of December 31, 2021. It is similar to the Emergency Broadband Benefit, and the Affordable Connectivity Program is designed to help low-income families find a way to get free internet access at a low cost or a discount from various Internet service providers.
The program also provides laptops and tablets free of charge to low-income families, which can be used for work, study, etc. For more information about this program, please visit the official website of the Affordable Connectivity Program. Please refer to our previous article if you would like to know how to get a free laptop free EBB.
Are Lifeline and EBB the same?
You can get various benefits from the EBB and the lifeline programs offered by both, but they are only partially linked. These benefits are provided under the EBB program and are better than those Lifeline offers. Lifeline gives you a discount of about 9.25 dollars a month, whereas the EBB program gives you a discount of up to fifty dollars per month.
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How Does The Emergency Broadband Benefit Work?
The low-income community needs several facilities. To meet the needs of the people who cannot afford important services, the government has taken the initiative to provide them. Free tablets and broadband services are provided to the people as part of the emergency broadband benefit.
An eligible household can receive a discount of up to $50 on internet plans. If you purchase a desktop computer or a tablet, you may get a $100 discount. The internet plans and devices will only be available for one household. The benefits of this plan are only available to those who qualify for the eligibility criteria.
Who Qualifies For An Emergency Broadband-Free Tablet?
You may get a free tablet or laptop and a free broadband connection depending on your benefits.
The government has established a scheme to help people who would not otherwise be able to afford online access. A free tablet or laptop may be available if you can’t afford broadband and are on certain benefits.
If you want free broadband, you must do the following:
You must be at least 18 years old
Take advantage of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit.
Earn less than £16,190 per year as a household
For the past three months, you have not been employed
Having no other means of accessing broadband
The following steps must be followed to get a free tablet or laptop:
A minimum age of 18 is required
Take advantage of Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit, or Housing Benefit.
Earn less than £16,190 per year as a household
The last three months have been spent without employment
A free tablet or laptop can be applied online if you fill out an application for free broadband.
What Tablets Are Available On The Emergency Broadband Benefit?
According to the Federal Communications Commission, up to $3.2 billion has been authorized under the CARES Act to help eligible households pay for broadband during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who qualify will receive a discount of up to $50 per month on broadband service, and those on Tribal lands will receive a discount of up to $75 per month. As of June 16, these companies have announced their participation in the Emergency Broadband Benefit program:
- Altice USA
- Amtrak
- AT&T
- Charter Communications
- Comcast
- Cox Communications
- Frontier Communications
- Mediacom
- Optimum
- Sprint
- T-Mobile
- Verizon
- Windstream
Several companies are still expected to participate in the program since it is being rolled out.
How to apply for an Emergency Broadband Benefit-free tablet?
You can apply for Emergency Broadband Benefits program to get a free tablet, almost like you would for the Lifeline assistance program. You can easily apply for EBB if you have applied for the lifeline program before. Here are the easy steps you can follow in order to apply for free EBB tablets if you still need to do so.
There are three main ways in which you can apply for EBB –
Participating in an EBB service provider’s application
The EBB service providers can be directly contacted if you want to apply for the EBB program and know about any offering EBB tablets. Your provider can give you all the information about the application process and how to proceed.
Many service providers attend the EBB programs that are conducted around the country. If you are looking for providers who participated in the EBB program near you, you can easily find them. You can find a list of those providers on the EBB website at – https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers.
You can choose either of the two options below if you are unaware of an EBB service provider or if you are not interested in applying for an EBB service provider.
Through the official website at GetEmergencyBroadband.org, you can apply for emergency broadband services.
If you consider doing so, applying for the EBB program is possible. EBB applications can also be submitted through the website. Application for the EBB program is a very straightforward process. To participate in this program, you must be eligible.
- A visit to the official emergency broadband benefits website is the first step if you want to apply online for the EBB program.
- You will automatically be redirected to a page for entering your basic information, such as full name, birth date, etc. Identification numbers must be filled in with documents such as your social security number, a driver’s license number, or a tribal identification number.
- Authentication will be completed once you submit copies of your documents and fill out the information.
- Once you have entered your address, you need to confirm that all information you have entered is accurate.
It will take three to five business days to get your documents approved. You will receive an official notification of your selection for the EBB program.
Applying via Mail
EBB can also be applied via mail, as that is the last method. Some people may need help contacting the service provider or completing the online application. As a result, sending an application via mail can be an excellent option for those who need to send one.
- A copy of the application process can be printed after you apply for the mail-in applications. Please call 833-511-0311 if you would like a mail-in application.
- The application form can be sent to the office of Emergency Broadband Benefit when you have completed it. The form can also be downloaded from the website.
- If you are eligible for this program, you will be contacted by the officials within a few business days. Their guidance will guide you through the steps involved in getting EBB benefits.
During the verification process, the authorities may also contact you if they need help with your documents and information. In the worst-case scenario, your application form may have to be submitted again.
It is, therefore, necessary to enter all the information carefully. Additionally, the authorities will cross-check the information you provide in the form to ensure you enter all the correct information. The Emergency Broadband Benefit program cannot provide you with a free tablet if you fill out the application form.
Which area does Emergency Broadband Benefit cover?
Almost all states in the United States participate in the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. The first thing you should do before making any conclusions is to check whether the EBB service provider is available in your state. The EBB’s official website lists service providers in every state so that you can find out more.
The EBB program usually has at least one or more participating service providers. EBB providers may then offer you a free EBB Tablet.
FAQs
Q1. What companies offer lifeline Programs?
Ans: Qlink Wireless, Assurance Wireless, AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint are well-known and popular companies providing lifeline services. You can get various plans and services from these companies to keep in touch with your family and stay safe if an emergency occurs.
Q2. Does My EBB Free Tablet come with a warranty?
Ans: Most of those tablets come with a manufacturer’s warranty, which you get free from the EBB. You must remember that warranties can differ based on the type of tablet or device. You can contact your service provider if you want more information about this.
Q3. Where can I get a tablet with the EBB program?
Ans: All states in the US are eligible for the EBB tablet program. Find out more about and search for free Tablet service providers near you by visiting the official website.
Q4. What if the free EBB tablet I received is damaged in transit?
Ans: Your EBB-provided tablet may be damaged in transit, but you are not responsible in this case since you did not receive the tablet. Soon, you will be able to receive a new tablet if you want to replace your current one.
Conclusion
Families across the US can get financial assistance to purchase tablets, laptops, etc., through the EBB program. Please read the article above for more information about applying for EBB and getting a free tablet.
