Ever since 2020, when pandemic shocked us all, there’s been a lot of talk about free internet services. That’s because the government initiated a special program called Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB or EBBP). The latter focuses on providing financially challenged households with access to a fast internet connection. And it is via this program that you may get access to Boost Mobile free internet. As such, we must take a closer look at eligibility for EBB and how to apply.
Let’s jump right in.
How Can I Get Boost Mobile Free Internet?
As you can imagine, if Boost Mobile free internet was accessible to everyone, Boost Mobile would not survive. Thus, this benefit is only accessible to specific clients. Moreover, since Boost Mobile free internet is based on the EBB program, it means that the government is the one to set the rule. So, let’s take a look at the general eligibility guidelines for the EBB program.
The EBB Eligibility Guidelines
A household is eligible if at least one 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.
In case you are not sure if you meet any of those eligibility criteria, make sure to check out the “Where Can I See If I Am Eligible For Boost Mobile Free Internet” section below.
Applying for EBB and Enrolling for Boost Mobile Free Internet
Moreover, being eligible is just the starting point. To actually get Boost Mobile free internet, you need to apply and enroll with Boost Mobile to select a particular service plan.
After ensuring you are eligible, you may apply directly via Boost Mobile (details below). However, you may also apply directly through the official EBB website (GetEmergencyBroadband.org) or using standard mail. Here are the exact instructions:
- Contact Boost Mobile directly to learn about their application process. If you are unable to apply through them directly, you will have to apply using one of the two options below, and then contact Boost Mobile to select an eligible plan.
- Applying 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.
- Applying via mail: Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application or print a copy by accessing it online (getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply). Then send the filled-out application along with copies of documents showing proof of eligibility to Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Documents Showing Proof of Eligibility
To qualify for Boost Mobile free internet, 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 (those that make you eligible). You must also provide copies of some personal documents (proving your identity).
You can send the documents online (submitted through your online application) or via 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.
Where Can I See If I Am Eligible For Boost Mobile Free Internet
One way is to check out the “The EBB Eligibility Guidelines” sub-section above and determine whether or not you meet any of the given criteria. However, you may also visit Boost Mobile’s eligibility-check webpage. Start by visiting their official EBB website (boostmobile.com/plans/ebbp.html). Then click the “Check Eligibility” button. Then initiate the eligibility check by entering your zip code and clicking the “START” button. Then follow the instructions and enter your details to complete the process.
On the other hand, you may also check your eligibility by directly applying (using the instructions above). If your application gets approved, it means you are eligible. However, if it gets rejected, it means you are not.
In case you also need information Boost Mobile Free Phones When You Switch
What Are The Boost Mobile Free Internet Plans
There are currently three plans that you can get when applying for the Boost Mobile free internet. They all come with the same amount of free data. Eligible households can receive:
- 35GB monthly Mobile Hotspot Plan – you get a hotspot device to use mobile data and your internet access point.
- 35GB monthly Smartphone Plan – you get a smartphone that you may use to access the internet directly or you can also create a hotspot with it.
- 35GB monthly Tablet Plan – very similar to the mobile plan above, instead you get a free tablet.
All plans include a one-time discount on a supporting mobile hotspot device if applying for the monthly mobile hotspot plan discount, or a one-time discount on a supporting smartphone device if applying for the smartphone plan discount, or a one-time discount on a supporting tablet device if applying for the Tablet plan discount.
Moreover, only one monthly hotspot plan, smartphone plan, or tablet plan and one device discount is allowed per qualifying household.
Read one of our past articles Boost Mobile Switch Phones and Plan
What Are The Boost Mobile Discount Internet Plans
There are no discounted plans. Boost Mobile only offers free plans (listed above) to EBB-eligible customers. To ensure that you know exactly what you can expect, let’s again list which are the Boost Mobile free internet plans:
Qualified households are eligible for a free Boost Mobile 35GB smartphone plan, tablet plan, OR mobile hotspot plan valued at $50/mo. ($60/mo. for Tribal lands)., limited to one per qualifying household.
What Else Can I Get For Free From Boost Mobile?
As far as the Boost Mobile free internet plans go, we’ve listed all three plans that you can get for free via the EBB program. There is nothing else you can get for free. However, we guess you should be more than impressed with getting free 35GB and a free device (either a hotspot device, a mobile phone, or a tablet), right?
What Else Is Important To Know About Boost Mobile Free Internet?
Can I Get Boost Mobile Free Wi-Fi?
Boost Mobile is a wireless provider, which means that they offer mobile access via mobile data. Though, if you go with the hotspot plan, you will technically be using a WiFi connection to connect to the hotspot device. However, the hotspot device will be connected to the web via mobile data.
Does Boost Mobile Participate In The Lifeline Program?
Before joining the EBB program, Boost Mobile offered Lifeline support. However, currently, they automatically offer their EBB plans to all Lifeline-eligible customers and do not have separate benefits for Lifeline clients.
Does Boost Mobile Have Wi-Fi Boxes?
Yes, via Boost Mobile free internet benefits, you have the option to opt-in for the hotspot plan. This plan comes with a hotspot device (which may be referred to as a WiFi box).
Is There A Boost Mobile Senior Plan?
No, currently Boost Mobile doesn’t offer any particular plans for seniors. However, all of the Boost Mobile free internet plans are of course available to all EBB-eligible seniors.
You can read one of our past articles What Phones Compatible with Boost Mobile Service
