What Is The Verizon Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program or EBB (also EBBP) is a government-supported program set in place as a way to help less fortunate households ensure quality internet access. EBB is an FCC program and it was initiated as a response to COVID-19 related situation.
To ensure households get a proper internet connection, they get properly connected to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classes, and online shopping, and much more. The majority of states still haven’t fully recovered after the pandemic hit and there are upcoming lockdowns still anticipated, thus, making sure that all citizens have access to a proper internet connection is quite vital.
When we add Verizon into the picture, it just means that we are focusing on the EBB being used via that particular carrier. This also tells us that Verizon is one of the wireless and broadband providers that offer EBB to their less privileged clients.
How Does The Verizon EBB Program Work?
The Verizon EBB program works fully in line with the EBB program, which has a general set of rules set in place by the government. It all starts with the eligibility conditions – only households that meet certain criteria (we will cover those in detail below) can use the Verizon EBB program.
Furthermore, those that are proven to be eligible, may apply for the Verizon EBB and receive very impressive support. The latter comes either in form of up to $50 per month for eligible households or even up to $75 per month for eligible households residing in Tribal lands. Of course, these benefits may only be used on selected mobile and home internet plans.
So you need to follow these steps:
- Confirm that you are eligible.
- Apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
- Enroll in the specific Verizon plan.
Who Is Eligible For The Verizon Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
So, who can apply for the EBB program and receive the government’s support? 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.
What Do I Need To Sign Up For The Verizon Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
If you meet any of the above requirements then you are eligible and can apply. Of course, you must keep in mind that you need to be able to prove your identity and your eligibility. As such, you need to provide copies of one of the documents proving your identity (your full name, address, being alive, …) and a copy of a document proving your eligibility (according to the list provided in the previous section).
Here is a list of example documents suitable for identity proof:
- Social Security Number
- Tribal Identification Number
- U.S. Driver’s License
- Other Government-issued IDs, such as a state ID
- U.S. Military ID
- Passport
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
How Do I Apply For The Verizon Emergency Broadband Program?
Below are the exact steps that you need to follow to apply for the Verizon EBB. Keep in mind that they all start by you apply for the EBB. The best way to do so is online (and that is what the steps below focus on), however, you may also apply via mail. In case, you prefer 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.
Note: For all of the following Verizon applicable plans and services you first need to check that they are available at your address. You can do so by visiting Verizon’s official website, select the plan in question and then click the “Check Availability” button.
Basically, these are the steps to follow if you are a part of an eligible household and want to use your EBB for Verizon’s Unlimited mobile plans:
- Step 1: Apply to qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit at getemergencybroadband.org
- Step 2: New customers can order a Mix & Match Unlimited phone plan. To do so, you need to complete your order online or call us at 1.800.922.0204. On the other hand, existing customers must have a Mix & Match Unlimited phone plan, switch to one, or remain on a standalone Unlimited or Unlimited Plus Mobile Hotspot plan (as the main or only line on an account).
- Step 3: Both new and existing customers should click the link in the parentheses (https://www.verizon.com/ebb-consent/) to sign up online to get the discount applied to their bill. Also, keep in mind that new customers must first activate their wireless service to be eligible.
These are the steps to follow if you are a part of an eligible household and want to use your EBB for Verizon’s Fios, which gives customers more streaming, gaming, and sharing on the fastest internet in America:
- Step 1: Apply to qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit at getemergencybroadband.org
- Step 2: New customers can order any Fios Mix & Match internet plan by completing their order online or call 1.800.Verizon. On the other hand, existing Fios customers can apply with their Fios Mix & Match plan, switch to one, or remain on Fios Plans including Triple Play: Internet, Voice, TV. Double Play: Internet & Voice, or Double Play: Internet & TV.
- Step 3: Both new and existing customers should click the link in the parentheses (https://www.verizon.com/consumer/myverizon/form/ebb) o get the discount applied to your bill. Also, keep in mind that new customers must first complete Fios installation to be eligible.
These are the steps to follow if you are a part of an eligible household and want to use your EBB for Verizon’s 5G Home*:
- Step 1: Apply to qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit at getemergencybroadband.org
- Step 2: New customers can order 5G Home online or call 1.800.922.0204 to complete the order. Moreover, if you are an existing 5G Home customer, your service is eligible if your household qualifies.
- Step 3: Both new and existing customers should click the link in the parentheses (https://www.verizon.com/ebb-consent/) to sign up online to get the discount applied to their bill. Also, keep in mind that new customers must first complete 5G Home installation to be eligible.
* 5G Home Internet is simple to set up and easy to use. Verizon’s customers get ultra-fast speed on the 5G Ultra Wideband network.
These are the steps to follow if you are a part of an eligible household and want to use your EBB for Verizon’s LTE Home*:
- Step 1: Apply to qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit at getemergencybroadband.org
- Step 2: New customers can order LTE Home online or call 1.800.922.0204 to complete the order. Moreover, if you are an existing LTE Home customer, your service is eligible if your household qualifies.
- Step 3: Both new and existing customers should click the link in the parentheses (verizon.com/ebb-consent) to sign up online to get the discount applied to their bill. Also, keep in mind that new customers must first complete LTE Home installation to be eligible.
* LTE Home gives customers faster internet for their households with powerful bandwidth and no data caps.
Read one of our past articles Emergency Broadband Benefit Free Tablet
What Are The Benefits If I Am Qualified For The Verizon Emergency Broadband Benefit?
As presented in the “How Does The Verizon EBB Program Work?” section, the benefits of Verizon EBB enrollment come in form of monthly discounts towards your Verizon bill. The exact amounts are up to $50 per month for eligible households or even up to $75 per month for eligible households residing in Tribal lands. These are the key benefits of the EBB program.
In addition, eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers (it is not clear if Verizon offers that option, so make sure to reach out to their support) if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
In case you also need information Free Government Phone And Tablet Guide
Do I Qualify For Verizon EBBP If I Am A Lifeline Beneficiary?
Yes. As a Lifeline beneficiary, you meet one of the eligibility criteria, which is enough to get EBB. However, please keep in mind that you will not receive EBB automatically as a Lifeline beneficiary. You still need to follow the common application process as described above.
Can Another Member Of My Household Also Receive The Benefits?
Unfortunately not. Just like Lifeline, EBB is also limited to one per household. Just in case you are not sure what qualifies as a household, make sure to read the details below (quoted from lifelinesupport.org).
“A household is a group of people who live together and share money (even if they are not related to each other). If you live together and share money, you are one household. If you live together and don’t share money, you are 2+ households.
One Household Examples:
- A married couple who live together must share one Lifeline discount
- A parent/guardian and child who live together must share one Lifeline discount
- An adult who lives with friends or family who provide financial support must share one Lifeline discount
Multiple Household Examples:
- 4 roommates who live together but do not share money or expenses are 4 households
- 30 seniors who live in an assisted-living home are 30 households”
What Happen If I Leave Verizon? Can My EBB Be Transferred To A New Provider?
The answer is yes, you may transfer the benefits. The EBB program discount can be transferred to another provider at any time. As such, you do not have to worry at all. Of course, you need to keep in mind that the EBB program will only be available as long as the government determines that it is still justified to offer it.
You can read one of our past articles Straight Talk Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
Do I Automatically Get An Additional Discount If I Receive Lifeline Benefits?
No. Even though you can use both Lifeline and EBB discounts simultaneously, the other one is not applied automatically if you already have the first one. You need to apply for both programs separately.
How Long Will The Verizon Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Last?
As you may know, the program is not permanent. However, it does not have a set expiration but will end once the program runs out of funding, or six months after the COVID-19 pandemic ends, whichever occurs first. The FCC is expected to notify carriers and the public at least 60 days before the final service month of EBB discounts. As such, you can relax knowing that you will be notified on time.
What Will Happen To My Services When The Verizon Emergency Broadband Benefits Expires?
When the end of the program comes, you will either continue on your plan at the price without the EBB discount (t.i. normal retail price) or you will have the option of ending your internet-related services with Verizon. Verizon will give you an opportunity to decide on this at the beginning of your enrollment into the EBB program and again before the end of the program as well.
Note: In case you do not affirmatively choose to keep your Internet-related services, the FCC requires that Verizon disconnects those services at the end of the EBB program.
How Can I Receive The Emergency Broadband Benefit For The Verizon Fois Internet Service?
The exact steps for applying and receiving the EBB for Verizon Fios services are provided in the “How Do I Apply For The Verizon EBBP?” section. However, you need to first ensure that the Verizon Fios is available in your area. To do so, visit verizon.com/inhome/qualification and enter your street address.
If the Verizon Fios is available at your address, you may proceed with the steps given in the “How Do I Apply For The Verizon EBBP?” section.
If I Have Lifeline On My Fois Mix & Match Internet Plan, Do I Qualify For The Verizon EBBP?
Yes. As explained above, Lifeline and EBB are not mutually exclusive, which means that you may use the benefits of both programs simultaneously. However, please keep in mind that even if you already have Lifeline, you still need to apply for the EBB. You will not get EBB automatically.
If I Am Eligible For The EBB, What Fois Internet Services Qualify For The EBB Discount?
If you are eligible for the EBB and have confirmed that Fios is available in your area, then you can use EBB discount towards any speed Fios Mix & Match Internet.
Here are further details regarding what Fios plans may EBB be used for:
- New Fios customers who have a Mix + Match* internet plan.
- Existing Fios customers who have a Mix+Match* internet plan, or move to Mix+Match internet.
- Existing Fios customers who have a traditional Fios Triple, Double or Data-only plan, or Month-To-Month plan.
If you need information What Phones are Compatible With Verizon
Can I Receive The EBBP For Other Fois Plans And Services?
Below is a full list of Verizon services for which you may use the EBB discount:
Mobile:
- Current Verizon Mix & Match Unlimited phone plans
- Start Unlimited
- Play More Unlimited
- Do More Unlimited
- Get More Unlimited
- As well as Verizon Mix & Match Unlimited phone plans
- Above Unlimited
- Beyond Unlimited
- Go Unlimited (Some Go plans may not be eligible- inquire with a rep.)
- Standalone Mobile Hotspot plans
- Unlimited and Unlimited Plus plans (Standalone mobile hotspot service offerings are those without a smartphone line on the account).
Home:
- Fios Mix & Match Internet, any speed
- Verizon 5G Home Internet
- Verizon LTE Home Internet
Unfortunately, EBB cannot be applied to Fios Mix + Match TV, Fios Digital Voice, or HSI plans. Moreover, it also cannot be applied with Fios Forward.
Do I Have To Switch Plans To Get The Benefit?
No, as long you are already using one of the plans listed above (or coming as a new client) you do not have to switch plans to get the benefits.
Does The EBB Discount Apply To A Bundle?
Yes, there are specific Fios Mix & Match plans (these are bundle plans) that the EBB discount can be used for. For details, please see the previous three answers).
Does Verizon Offer Free Tablet Under EBB Program?
There is no information available on the official Verizon website that would confirm that they offer free tablets to EBB-eligible clients. However, since the EBB rules clearly state “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.”, you CAN get a discount. However, can doesn’t mean that you definitely do get it. As such, make sure to check this with Verizon support.
You can read one of our past articles Best Verizon Tablets Deals 2021 and How To Get Free Tablet From Government 2021
