Unless you’ve been living under the rock, you must have heard about the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. It is a government-supported initiative that helps financially challenged households attain access to broadband internet connection during these unprecedented post-COVID times. This initiative was properly supported by the majority of internet and wireless providers all across the nation. As such the majority of them take part in the program. As such, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that AT&T also joined in.
With that said, we will take a closer look at the Emergency Broadband Benefit program AT&T herein. Let’s jump right in so that you can learn about all the details that will help you find out whether or not this is something your household can benefit from.
Does AT&T Participate In The EBB Program?
Yes, AT&T does participate in the EBB program. As such, you can (if you qualify) use your EBB benefits towards specific AT&T plans. These include home internet services and prepaid phone services:
- Home internet services:
- AT&T Internet EBB options (up to $50/month off)
- 1st year: you pay $5/mo instead of $55/mo
- After 1st year you pay $15/mo instead of $65/mo
- AT&T Internet EBB options (up to $50/month off)
- Prepaid phone services:
- Free unlimited data plan
- Eligible PREPAID tablet and hotspot data plan for $5/mo (instead of $55/mo)
What Does AT&T Emergency Broadband Benefits Actually Provide?
The main benefits of the AT&T EBB are the same as the general benefits of the EBB program. Here are the details stated on AT&T’s official website:
“The EBB is a federal government program that provides a temporary benefit on home internet or wireless service for eligible households. Your bill could be decreased by up to $50 per month, or up to $75 per month off your bill if you reside on qualifying Tribal lands.”
The above means that you can choose among various plans (see the previous section) and use the EBB discount toward that services. If the price of the services is lower than the amount of discount, you essentially get free services.
How To Be Eligible For The AT&T Emergency Broadband Benefits?
Before you apply for the EBB program support and use it with AT&T service, you must keep in mind that AT&T does not determine eligibility. As such, you need to check if you are eligible before you apply. To do so, use the guidelines below.
Here’s who is eligible for the AT&T EBB
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.
Read one of our past articles How To Get T-Mobile EBB Tablet
What Documents Are Required When I Apply For AT&T Emergency Broadband Benefits?
To qualify for AT&T’s EBB program, the applicant must provide specific documentation (following the official guidelines provided by the government). These documents (their copies) must prove that you either meet the income threshold or participate in a qualifying program. You must also provide copies of some personal documents (proving your identity).
You can send the documents online or by mail. If applying online, you will get to upload and send digital copies of your documentation directly. If applying via mail, make sure to never send out original documents but hard copies of the documents.
When it comes to the exact documents you will be required to provide, things depend on several factors. However, here is a list of documents that you may be asked to provide during the application process:
- Identity verification document: (you can choose to send a copy of your passport, U.S. driver’s license, social security number, tribal identification number, a state ID or another government-issued ID, U.S. military ID, individual taxpayer identification number)
- Address (any official document that displays your first and last name and physical address)
- A document that proves qualifying assistance program participation: (for example, an approval letter, benefit award letter, benefits verification letter, statement of benefits)
- A document that proves your household income: (for example, prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub, a Social Security statement of benefits, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income, a retirement/pension statement of benefits)
- A document that proves a substantial loss of income: (most likely you will need two documents – one to show your income change and one to show your current income; for example, a layoff/furlough notice, unemployment application, approval letter, or benefit statement, official evidence of bankruptcy or business closure (for business owners), a state, federal, or tribal tax return, Social Security statement of benefits, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, Retirement or pension statement of benefits, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income)
Note: To participate in the EBB program, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are not, you can only participate if you are an emancipated minor. To prove you are an emancipated minor, you must provide an official court document or certificate featuring your first and last name and confirmation or emancipated minor status.
In case you also need information Does EBB Program Offer Free Laptop?
How Do I Apply For The AT&T Emergency Broadband Benefits Program?
AT&T doesn’t give you the option to apply directly via them. As such, you must follow the official route of first applying via the National Verifier (either online or via mail) (see detailed steps below). Only after your application has been approved can you enroll with AT&T and use the EBB discount.
Apply Online:
Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you. After you apply, you will have to contact a participating provider to select an eligible plan.
Apply via Mail:
Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application or print a copy from getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply, and return it along with copies of documents showing proof of eligibility to Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742
You can read one of our past articles How To Be Eligible For Truconnect EBB Program
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible For The AT&T EBB?
The government has provided a detailed list of eligibility criteria. You can see them in the “How To Be Eligible For The AT&T Emergency Broadband Benefits?” section above. If after looking at these criteria, you are still not certain if you are eligible or not, you can simply try and apply. If your application is rejected, it means that you are not eligible. On the other hand, if your application is approved, you must be eligible.
How Do I Know If The AT&T EBB Program Is Available In My Area?
The easiest way to see if the AT&T EBB program is available in your area is by checking AT&T’s coverage. For that purpose, use this link: att.com/coverage. Then select the service type you are interested in (internet or wireless) and enter your zip code.
Moreover, you can also contact AT&T’s support and check if the AT&T EBB program is available in your area.
Here are their phone numbers:
- Wireless support: 800.331.0500 or 611 from a mobile device (Available 24/7)
- Internet support: 800.288.2020 (Available 24/7)
What If I Don’t Qualify For AT&T EBB?
If you don’t qualify for AT&T EBB it can mean two things:
- You are not eligible for the EBB support – in this case, you have to make peace with the fact that you cannot benefit from the government support via the EBB program. You can explore other supports or make use of AT&T’s or other carriers’ special deals.
- AT&T is not available in your area – if that is the case, you should look for other potential EBB carriers in your area. You can use this link to find the list of providers in your area: fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers
Why Does AT&T Participate In The EBB Program?
To be completely honest, we do not understand providers that do not participate. They have nothing to lose. Since this is a government-supported program, providers get compensated for the offered discount by the government. As such, they get to attract more customers (those that would otherwise not be able to afford their plans) and still receive the full price.
Does AT&T offer Lifeline program?
Yes, AT&T does offer Lifeline support. However, unlike many other wireless carriers that took things to another level by offering free smartphones and free plans, AT&T only offers you a monthly discount of $9.25 towards your wireless bill.
If you need information Free Phone And tablets read one of our past articles Free Government Phone And Tablet Guide
Do I Qualify for EBB Program Discounts?
To find out if you qualify or not, make sure to check out the “How To Be Eligible For The AT&T Emergency Broadband Benefits?” section. If you meet any of the eligibility criteria, it means you qualify for the EBB support.
Where is Emergency Broadband Support Center
Emergency Broadband Support Center is located at P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742. Here is also their phone number: 833-511-0311.
Can I use AT&T EBB for my current plan?
It depends on which plan are you on. If you are currently on any of the plans that AT&T includes under their EBB support, you may do so. Otherwise, you will need to switch to another plan. To see which plans are supported by the AT&T EBB, check out the “Does AT&T Participate in the EBB Program?” section.
What is The Amount Of Enhanced Benefit For The Residents Of Tribal Lands?
Residents of tribal lands can get a discount of $75 per month. This is enough to cover the full expenses of most carriers, which ensures them with free services.
Will I Be Able To Use The EBB Service And The Device If I Have A Disability?
It depends on the type of disability you are dealing with. If your disability qualifies you for any of the eligibility points given in the “How To Be Eligible For The AT&T Emergency Broadband Benefits?” section, you should be able to get EBB. In case you need special devices to use AT&T services, you better contact their support to discuss your options. In many cases, your insurance may provide you with special devices.
Can I Receive Both The Emergency Broadband Benefits And Lifeline At The Same Time?
Yes. The great thing about these two government-supported programs is that you may use them at the same time. However, keep in mind that qualifying for one doesn’t automatically qualify you for the other one. You have to apply for each program individually and then enroll as well.
Can My Roommate And I Each Get Ebb?
The role clearly states that one EBB benefit applies per household. So, it all depends if your roommate and you are considered as one or two households (there are many factors that determine this). As such, makes sure to contact support and clarify this aspect.
Can I Sign Up For The At&t Emergency Broadband Benefits If I Am Already A Customer Or If I Was A Customer In The Past?
Yes, the AT&T EBB support is available for new and existing customers. However, if you are an existing customer using a plant that is not supported by the AT&T EBB program, you will need to switch to one that is supported to use the benefits.
Can I Apply For The Emergency Broadband Benefits If I Have A Past Due Balance With The Provider?
Yes, eligible consumers with a past due balance or a balance in collections are eligible for the benefit in general. However, AT&T has the right to determine whether or not your due balance is too high.
Can Retirees Apply For The At&t Ebb?
There are no special rules for retirees when it comes to the AT&T EBB. If they are eligible, they can apply.
Is The AT&T EBB Only Open To U.S. Citizens?
As long as you have permanent residency in the USA, you may apply for the AT&T EBB benefits if you meet one of the eligibility criteria.
