When COVID-19 struck the country, the government came up with a raft of measures aimed at keeping its citizens safe from the pandemic. This meant people had to remain confined in their homes for longer and different organizations continue to work from home. This, in turn, affected several livelihoods, and most people could no longer keep in touch with those they love. In response to this situation, Federal Communications Commission came up with the EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) program.
With this program, individuals from low-income families would remain connected to the internet and keep in touch with those they love. Verizon has been one of the main providers of this program from the onset. In this article, we shall take a closer look at Verizon EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit Program) program so that you can know what to expect from it.
How Does Verizon EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program Work
For you to benefit from an EBB program, there are a set of eligibility requirements that you have to meet. Verizon EBB program is no exception, as individuals have to meet all the eligibility conditions for them to enjoy all benefits that come with this program. For instance, these individuals have to come from low-income families and be earning an income that is less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, among other requirements.
If you meet these requirements, be sure that you will be able to receive monthly discounts of up to $50 per month or $75 per month if you reside in Tribal lands. With these discounts, you will be able to offset monthly internet costs that might come with internet equipment such as routers. This discount will go a long way in offering much-needed financial relief to all families facing economic hardships during the pandemic.
Who is Eligible for the Verizon EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program
To be eligible for Verizon EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program, there are a number of requirements that you should meet. If your household meets any of these requirements, be sure that you will be good to go:
- Your income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Participate in any of the government assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, lifeline, and so forth.
- You received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- You have been approved to receive benefits such as a free and reduced-price school breakfast or lunch program.
- Since February 19, 2020, you lost your source of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Better still, if your household’s income in 2020 stood at or was below $198000 for joint filers or $99000 for single filers.
Which Documents do I Need to Sign Up for the Verizon EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program
If you comply with any of the eligibility requirements listed above, time is ripe for you to make your application for this program. However, there is a need for you to prove your eligibility and identity. After all, this is the only way that Verizon will determine that you are eligible or not. Some of the details that you should present include:
- Your official name
- Government-issued ID
- Passport
- Social Security Number
- Tribal Identification Number
- Taxpayer Identification Number
How To Apply For the Verizon EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program
As you purpose to apply for the Verizon EBB program, there are a series of steps that you should follow. However, you have to apply for the EBB program first. The good news is that you can do this in a number of ways. They include:
- Make your application online
- Apply through the mail
- Contact 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application
If you choose the last method, you have to return the mail with copies showing that you are indeed eligible for the EBB program. The address to send the mail is:
Emergency Broadband Benefit Support Center
P.O.BOX 7081
London, KY 40742
Most people usually opt to make their application online as it is more convenient. However, the procedure that you will use will depend on the mobile plans that you want to use. After all, Verizon EBB comes with a number of mobile plans for all eligible individuals.
More importantly, you should first check the Verizon applicable plans that are available in your locality and then make your application. To check Verizon’s applicable plans within your region, you should visit Verizon’s official website and then choose the plan you want and then click the ‘Check availability’ option. Some of the plans that you can expect to find include:
- Verizon unlimited mobile plans
- Verizon Fios plans
- Verizon’s 5G Home
- Verizon’s LTE Home
We shall outline the procedures for you so that you can know them better:
1. Verizon unlimited mobile plans
If you want to utilize the above-mentioned mobile plan, here are the steps to get started.
- Visit getemergencybroadband.org and make your application.
- New customers can now order a Mix & Match Unlimited phone plan. For you to do this, you should complete your order online or better still, contact Verizon at 1-800-922-0204. Existing customers on the other hand, ought to have a Mix &Match Unlimited phone plan, switch to it, or better still remain on standalone Unlimited or Unlimited Plus Mobile Hotspot plan.
- To sign up online, both new and current customers ought to click verizon.com/ebb-consent and they will be able to get the much-needed discount on their bills. However, new customers need first to activate their wireless service for them to be eligible.
2. Verizon Fios
If this plan is available in your area, you should follow the following steps to get a discount from the Verizon EBB program.
- Visit getemergencybroadband.org and make your application
- Remember that new customers can request any Verizon Fios Mix and Match internet plan by either contacting Verizon customer care on 1-800-922-0204 or completing their order online. Existing customers can now apply with their Fios Mix &Match plans, switch to it or remain on Fios Plans, including Triple Play, Internet Voice, Double Play, and so forth.
- Both existing and new customers ought to click verizon.com/consumer/myverizon/form/ebb so as to get the much-needed discount on their cell phone bills. If you are a new customer, you must first complete Fios installation for you be eligible.
3. Verizon’s 5G Home
If your address qualifies for this plan, you should follow these steps to get the much-needed discount from the Verizon EBB program.
- Visit getemergencybroadband.org and make your application.
- If you are a new customer, you can order 5G Home by either contacting the Verizon customer care agent on 1-800-922-0204 or complete your order online. In case you are currently using 5G Home, you will be eligible for a discount if at all you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Both existing and new customers should visit verizon.com/ebb-consent and sign up online in order to get a discount on their bills.Fr you to be eligible as a new customer, you ought to have completed 5G Home installation.
4. Verizon’s LTE Home
If your address qualifies for the plan mentioned above from Verizon, here are the steps you should follow in order to get a discount:
- Visit getemergencybroadband.org and make your application
- If you are a new customer, be sure that you can order LTE Home either online or by contacting Verizon’s customer care representative on 1-800-922-0204 to complete your order. However, if you are an existing LTE Home customer, be sure that you will be eligible for a discount if at all you meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above.
- Both existing and new customers should visit verizon.com/ebb-consent in order to sign up online, and they will get the much-needed discount on their bills. If you are a new customer, you ought to have completed LTE Home installation for you to be eligible for a discount.
FAQs – Frequently Ask Questions
Can I qualify for Verizon EBB program if I am a Lifeline beneficiary?
Yes. The good news is that you now qualify for the Verizon EBB program if you are a Lifeline beneficiary. However, bear in mind that you will not automatically benefit from this program as a Lifeline beneficiary. This is because you need to follow the above-mentioned application process.
Can another member of my household also benefit from Verizon EBB program?
No. This is because Verizon EBB program is only limited to one person per household or family. For instance, if you live together and share money, be sure that you qualify to be one household. Even if you are not related together, but you live together and share money, you are eligible to be termed as a household. When it comes to this program, only one of you will be eligible for it.
Supposing I leave Verizon, will my EBB be transferred to a new provider?
Yes. If you leave Verizon, all your EBB program discounts will be transferred to your new or preferred provider on the go. Therefore, you should not worry that you will miss out on the benefits that you used to enjoy in the recent past.
How long will the Verizon EBB program last?
First and foremost, the program mentioned above is not permanent. Ideally, it will end once the funds allocated to it get finished or 6 months after the pandemic is declared to be over. Whichever comes first will inform the termination of this program. However, you do not have to worry as FCC is expected to notify different the public and carriers at least 60 days before the programs come to an end.
Does Verizon offer free tablets under the EBB program?
Currently, there is no information to ascertain whether Verizon offers free tablets to all individuals eligible for the EBB program. Therefore, you need to contact Verizon’s support team to know if there is any free tablet from Government offered or you need to pay a certain fee in order to get one.
Final Recap
Staying in touch with friends and working from home has now become possible, thanks to the Verizon EBB program. All you need to do is to apply for this program, and you will be good to go. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements mentioned above, be sure that you will get the much-needed discount on your monthly cell phone bills. Indeed, Verizon EBB program has become a lifesaver for many low-income families experiencing economic hardships during this pandemic.
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