What Is The Boost Mobile Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
The Boost Mobile Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program is the EBB program being used with Boost Mobile. Of course, you need to keep in mind that you can use it with any other carrier that participates in this government-supported support.
EBB was set in place as a government’s response to an increased need for a proper internet connection after the COVID-19 made a significant shift toward online use. Of course, many people used the internet prior to that unprecedented event, however, students and many professions didn’t depend on the internet before. Now, especially in times of precaution measures applied, such as lockdowns, haven access to the internet is not optional.
While the government is the one offering the EBB, it puts the benefits to work via participating broadband and wireless providers; Boost Mobile is one of them.
Who Is Eligible For The Boost Mobile Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
To be eligible for the Boost Mobile Emergency Broadband Benefit program, you need to be eligible for the EBB itself and be located in an area where Boost Mobile’s services are available. While you will have to visit Boost Mobile’s official website to check if they cover your area, you may have a look at the general eligibility conditions for the EBB below.
A household is eligible for EBB if the household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or at least one member of the household meats one of the following criteria:
- Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
- Was 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 or 2020-2021 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.
How Do I Apply For The Boost Mobile EBBP?
Here we will cover all the details regarding the application process including the proof documents you must provide to be approved.
Apply Directly Through Boost Mobile
But before you apply, make sure to check the eligibility requirements. You can do so online (https://ebb.boostmobile.com/Enrollment/Boost/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/newHome) or by visiting one of Boost Mobile’s local stores.
If you decide to visit a local store, a trained representative will guide you through the application process. However, make sure to check the proof documentation required below to have it with you.
Though, we honestly believe that applying online is the simplest way. So, in case you go down that route, start by clicking the link provided above. Once on the page, enter your zip code, and click the “START” button below. Then just follow the onscreen instruction. You will have to enter some of your personal information, including:
- Your legal names – your first name, your middle name, and your last name
- The last four numbers of your Social Security Number (SSN)
- Date of birth
- Your National Verifier Application ID. If you do not have it, you can get it at the National Verifier Portal.
- Your Email address, and
- Your phone number.
Next, you will need to tick whether you are already a Boost Mobile user or not and whether you agree to provide your information to them (to proceed, you need to tick that option). Then click continue, which will take you to the next page. Once there, simply follow the provided instructions to complete the process.
Apply Via GetEmergencyBroadband.org
If you don’t want to apply via Boost Mobile, you may do so through the Emergency Broadband Benefit website and then enroll with Boost Mobile. They give you an option to either apply online or via mail. If you decide to apply online, you need to go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org and complete the online application. If you want to apply via mail, call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application or print a copy (https://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.
In case you also need information Boost Mobile Free Phones When You Switch
What Are The Documents Required For Boost Mobile EBB?
When applying for EBB, you need to prove your identity and your eligibility.
Applicants can choose one of the following documents to prove their identity:
- Social Security Number.
- Tribal Identification Number.
- U.S. Driver’s License.
- Other Government-issued ID, such as a state ID.
- U.S. Military ID.
- Passport.
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
When it comes to eligibility proof, you need to provide a document related to your qualifying condition. For instance, if you are eligible based on your low income, you need to provide documents proving that. These can be:
- Prior year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- Divorce decree, child support award, or other official document containing income information
Furthermore, if you are eligible based on your participation in specific programs, then the required proof documents can be:
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
How Will I Know If I’m Enrolled In Boost Mobile EBBP?
For New Customers – If you are a new customer, you will be issued a unique code to track your enrollment status once your application is approved. You will receive a text message from Boost Mobile with that particular number and instructions regarding your next steps.
For Existing Customers – If you are an existing customer, you will be issued an ePIN which you will use to switch to a $50 monthly plan at no cost to you once your application is approved. The ePIN will be sent to you via a text message from Boost Mobile. That text message will also include instructions regarding your next steps.
You can read one of our past articles What Phones Compatible with Boost Mobile
Where To Check Boost Mobile EBBP Eligibility?
As mentioned previously, there are two common options to check your eligibility. You can either do it online by visiting the link provided in the “How Do I Apply For The Boost Mobile EBBP?” section, where you will start by entering your zip code. An alternative method includes you visiting a local Boost Mobile store and having their representative check your eligibility.
What Are The Benefits If I Am Qualified For The Boost Mobile Emergency Broadband Benefit?
General benefits of the EBB program include a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Moreover, eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
However, when it comes to EBB being used via Boost Mobile, the exact benefits are as follows:
- Qualified households are eligible for a free Boost Mobile 35GB smartphone plan or mobile hotspot plan valued at $50, limited to one per qualifying household.
- Very similar goes for qualified households on Tribal Lands. They are eligible for a free Boost Mobile 35 GB smartphone plan valued at $60 or a free mobile hotspot plan valued at $50, limited to one per qualifying household.
- A one-time discount on a supporting mobile hotspot device, if applying for the monthly mobile hotspot plan discount.
If you need information Boost Mobile Flip Phones
How Do I Remain Boost Mobile Eligible For The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program And Continue Receiving Free Internet Service?
If you are familiar with Lifeline, you will not be surprised by the “use it or lose it” rule. As such, you must remain an “active” user. You show your activity by using service (making calls, sending texts, browsing the internet) every calendar month. In case you do not use your services within 30 calendar days, you will receive a text message from Boost Mobile, which will inform you that you will be scheduled for a future-dated price plan change on your next monthly billing cycle.
After receiving that message, you can still prevent the changes to happen if you use your services. In case the usage occurs before your plan change on your next monthly billing cycle, the plan change will no longer occur and you can continue enjoying the EBB program benefits.
However, if there is still no usage on your account, you will be moved to a comparable paid version of the plan and will be in a temporary barred status until the account payment is made. Of course, you have the option to call Boost Mobile Care and request to be restored to the original EBB plan without account payment.
Furthermore, if your account remains in a barred status for 90 days, it will be de-activated.
Do I Qualify For Boost Mobile EBBP If I Am A Lifeline Beneficiary?
The great thing about EBB is that you can use it simultaneously with Lifeline benefits. Moreover, Lifeline is considered as one of the eligibility requirements for the EBB, as such, it makes you automatically eligible. However, it doesn’t automatically apply to you. As such, you must still complete the application process as per the instructions provided above.
Does Boost Mobile Offer Free Tablet?
Currently, there is no information on the Boost Mobile official website suggesting that they offer free tablets. However, this may change at any time as they regularly run special deals. At the moment, they offer several highly discounted mobile devices.
If you are an eligible EBB household, then you may use your one-time discount for the device purchase to attain one of these highly discounted phones. However, this is not given, so make sure to check with Boost Mobile support. Read one of our past articles How To Get Free Tablet From Government 2021
What Other Things You Should Know About Boost Mobile EBB?
Are Device Insurance, Data Packs, And Other Recurring Services Offered With An EBB Rate Plan?
Devices come with warranties, however, if you are interested in additional device insurances, those are not covered by the EBB. On the other hand, all expenses related to the eligible packages are covered by the EBB.
How Many People Per Household Can Enroll In The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
The EBB benefits, just like Lifeline, are limited to one per household.
How Many Household Members Can Use The Free Broadband Service?
Since it is presumed that there is only one broadband service used per household, all household members should be able to use the services (via Wi-Fi connection). However, keep in mind that whether you are creating a Wi-Fi hotspot with a phone or a hotspot device, there may be a limit to how many users can connect simultaneously. Moreover, the hotspot (provided by Boost Mobile) allows for up to 10 devices to be connected simultaneously and is particularly beneficial for home use or for families in which multiple members need Internet access.
What Devices Are Eligible For The Free Phone Plan?
There is no detailed information available regarding the provided free devices on free phone plans. Judging based on Lifeline, it is completely up to the carrier (in our case, Boost Mobile) to select the device. However, we strongly advise you to check with Boost Mobile support and ask if you can select which device you’d like to attain using the EBB one-time discount.
Can I Add More Data To My Free 35GB Phone Plan?
You are able to purchase up to two Data Packs a month, which add data to your plan. To do this, log in to your account at My Account > Dashboard > Manage Add-On.
What Devices Are Eligible For The Free Broadband Service?
According to Boost Mobile, eligible customers can purchase an Alcatel Linkzone device for a one-time cost of $24.99 (a discount from $49.99) by visiting the Boost Mobile website or your local Boost Mobile retail location. Moreover, customers who activate an eligible plan on a new Alcaltel Linkzone 2 device will receive a one-time $25 digital “bonus” gift card after 5 consecutive months of usage. You will receive a text message from Boost Mobile with a link to the next steps. However, we strongly advise you to check with Boost Mobile support and ask if there are any other devices you can attain using the EBB one-time discount.
If I Move, Or My Financial Status Changes, Do I Have To Re-Apply For The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
Yes, in that case, you must re-apply. Otherwise, you will be removed from the Program.
How Long Is The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Available?
There is no particular time frame provided. This is the official guideline: “The program will end when government funding for the EBB Program ends, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.” Moreover, keep in mind that Boost Mobile will notify you of any changes to the Program.
What Happens To My Service When The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Ends?
Upon conclusion of the government-funded EBBP, you will be moved to a comparable Boost Mobile plan with regular rates, terms and conditions. However, this will not be done without your knowledge since Boost Mobile will notify you when those changes take place.
Do I Receive The Funds Directly Each Month?
The funds do not go to you but directly to Boost Mobile where they are applied towards paying for your broadband or mobile services.
Can I Refer A Friend Who Qualifies?
There are no particular referral programs set in place for EBBP.
