What Is The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program or EBB is a temporary government-supported program, set in place during the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that households with major financial challenges get a better chance to get fast speed (broadband) internet connections.
The program comes with universal benefits all across the nation. However, while the upper value of the EBB benefits is set, it is up to the carriers that decided to participate in the program, to determine what will the actual discount be. Moreover, there is an even higher discount offered to households living on tribal lands.
Xfinity (Comcast) is one of the most popular internet providers that participate in the EBB program, as such the topic of today’s article is all about the Emergency Broadband Benefit program Xfinity.
How Does Xfinity Work With Emergency Broadband Benefit?
Xfinity is one of the telecommunication providers that is committed to keeping people connected, therefore they proudly support the Federal Government’s EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit). The provider offers discounts of up to $50 a month ($75 a month for customers in Tribal lands) for Xfinity internet service and leased internet equipment, including Internet Essentials to all EBB-eligible customers, both new and existing.
All internet Essentials customers are eligible for the program, however, they still have to enroll before the discount can be applied. Only one benefit is available per household and all qualifying internet customers may apply to enroll in the EBB.
The EBB discount can only be applied toward internet service and leased internet equipment. It cannot be applied toward prepaid internet, unlimited data, data overage charges, taxes and fees, any non-Internet Xfinity products or equipment, including Xfinity Mobile and Xfinity Voice. Currently, Xfinity does not provide EBB-discounted devices, such as tablets, laptops, and desktops.
As the limited-time program by the FCC was designed to help low-income houses to stay connected during the Covid-19 pandemic, the program will only last until the program’s funding runs out or until the EBB program gets canceled approximately 6 months after the end of the pandemic. Currently, there is no confirmed end date to the program, but the government will let the provider know in advance and the provider will notify all customers at least 30 days in advance.
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How To Enroll In The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Xfinity New Customers
The enrollment process is different for new Xfinity Internet customers and new Internet Essentials customers. Depending on which group you belong to, follow the simple steps provided to enroll in the EBB program Xfinity.
New Xfinity Internet Customers
- Step 1: The first thing new Xfinity Internet customers ought to do is to check their eligibility through the National Verifier at getemergencybroadband.org. If eligible, they can sign up for Xfinity Internet services at xfinity.com.
- Step 2: In case your EBB eligibility is confirmed by the National Verifier and you have signed up for Xfinity Internet services, the next step is to enroll in Xfinity’s EBB program at xfinity.com/EBB using your Xfinity ID.
- Step 3: When enrolling in Xfinity’s EBB program, simply complete the consent and application process. Make sure that the information you have provided at your Nation Verifier form matches the information provided at your Xfinity EBB enrollment form.
New Internet Essentials Customers
- Step 1: The first thing new Internet Essentials customers ought to do is to apply for Internet Essentials at internetessentials.com and activate their service.
- Step 2: Once your Internet Essentials service has been activated, you can enroll in Xfinity’s EBB program at xfinity.com/EBB using your Xfinity ID. Complete the consent and application process.
How To Enroll In The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Xfinity Existing Customers
The enrollment process is different for existing Xfinity Internet customers and existing Internet Essentials customers. Depending on which group you belong to, follow the simple steps provided to enroll in the EBB program Xfinity.
Existing Xfinity Internet Customers
- Step 1: The first thing existing Xfinity Internet customers ought to do is to check their eligibility through the National Verifier.
- Step 2: In case your EBB eligibility is confirmed by the National, you can enroll in Xfinity’s EBB program at xfinity.com/EBB using your Xfinity ID.
- Step 3: When enrolling in Xfinity’s EBB program, simply complete the consent and application process. Make sure that the information you have provided at your Nation Verifier form matches the information provided at your Xfinity EBB enrollment form.
Existing Internet Essentials Customers
- Step 1: Enroll at xfinity.com/EBB. Note: Existing Internet Essentials customers are not required to check eligibility through the National Verifier.
- Step 2: Enroll in Xfinity’s EBB program at xfinity.com/EBB using your Xfinity ID. Simply complete the consent and application process.
What Documents Are Required When I Apply For Xfinity EBB Program?
When applying for the EBB discount and benefit, you may be required to provide certain documents.
Potentially required EBB application documents include:
- An official document verifying your identity (for example, your passport, state ID or other government-issued ID, U.S. military ID, U.S. Driver’s license, Social Security Number, Tribal Identification Number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
- An official document showing your address (for example, a driver’s license, a valid government, state, or Tribal ID, utility bill, mortgage or lease statement, most recent W-2, or tax return)
- If you qualify based on your income, you will be required to provide a document that shows that your annual household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty guidelines (for example, a 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)
- If you qualify based on assistance program participation, you will be required to provide an official document proving that you are currently participating in the program (for example, a benefit award letter, an approval letter, a statement of benefits, a benefit verification letter)
- If you qualify based on substantial loss of income, you will have to provide a document showing loss of income due to job loss (including bankruptcy or business closure) or furlough since February 29, 2020 (for example, a layoff/furlough notice, an unemployment application, approval letter, or benefit statement, evidence of bankruptcy or business closure) and a document proving that your annual household income is now below $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint fillers (for example, a 2020 state, federal, or tribal tax return, 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)
- As EBB participants must be at least 18 years old or emancipated, emancipated minors must provide a court document or certification proving their emancipated minor status.
The applicant can make copies or take pictures of the required document using a scanner, copy machine, camera, or smartphone. Copies must be clear, easy to read, and should not be blurry or too dark. Make sure to never submit original documents.
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How Do I Sign Up To Receive The Xfinity Emergency Broadband Benefits
In case you are an Internet Essentials customer, you can sign up for the Xfinity EBB program by visiting xfinity.com/buy/plan/internet/ebb and filling out the enrollment. Once enrolled, you will receive a credit to cover the entire cost of your Internet Essentials service ($9.95 a month) for as long as the EBB program lasts.
In case you are not an Internet Essentials customer, you must first check your EBB eligibility. Then, you can sign up for an Xfinity internet service tier of your choice. Finally, fill out the enrollment at xfinity.com/buy/plan/internet/ebb. Make sure the information provided on the National Verifier form (such as name, address, etc.) matches the information provided on the Xfinity EBB enrollment form.
How Do I Know If I Am Eligible Xfinity EBB Program?
Internet Essentials customers are automatically eligible for Xfinity EBB, however, they must still enroll in the program to receive the benefit.
Non-Internet Essentials customers, on the other hand, must confirm their eligibility through the National Verifier.
To qualify, you or any other member of your household must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Program-based eligibility. A member of your household qualifies for the Federal Lifeline program and participates in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, Tribal Programs for Residents for Qualifying Tribal Lands.
- Income-based eligibility. Your household income is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- A member of your household experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020, and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
- A member of your household receives (or did receive in the 2019-2020 school year) benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.
- A member of your household received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
What Are The Benefits If I Am Qualified For The Xfinity Emergency Broadband Benefit?
Xfinity Emergency Broadband Benefit-eligible customers get a discount of up to $50 a month (or up to $75 on Tribal lands) toward internet service and leased internet equipment for the duration of the program. The program will last until the Federal Government funds it and the amount of credit or discount you get on a monthly basis depends on the rate for the internet service that you choose.
This monthly internet service discount provides a large variety of benefits:
- Xfinity’s EBB program enables low-income people to stay connected to their loved ones.
- It enables them to stay connected to virtual classrooms and education facilities.
- It enables them to stay in touch with work and to seek out new job opportunities.
- It enables them to stay in touch with health services.
- It enables them to stay in touch with emergency services and more.
Which Other Broadband Providers Are Participating In The Emergency Broadband Facility?
As EBB is a government-funded assistance program designed to help the people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, there are lots of mobile and fixed service EBB providers throughout the country. Some of them even offer connected devices, such as tablets, laptops, or desktops.
Mobile broadband providers include:
- Access Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- AT&T
- Boost Mobile
- Cintex Wireless
- Comcast (Xfinity)
- Infinity Mobile
- Straight Talk
- Metro by T-Mobile
- Cricket Wireless
- Mint Mobile
- Q Link Wireless
- Ready Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- T-Mobile USA
- TracFone Wireless
- Tru Connect
- Verizon
See the full list of EBB providers by the state at fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers.
How Many Days After The Application Will I Get The Emergency Broadband Benefit?
How long it takes to receive the EBB credit depends on several factors. However, once you receive confirmation of your enrollment, it is possible to see the EBB credit on your very next bill.
The benefit will as for as long as the Federal Government provides the funding. You will be notified at least 30 days before the program ends and your discount is removed.
Xfinity Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Others Thing You Should Know
Is Comcast Participating In The Device Subsidy Portion Of The EBB Program?
No, currently, Comcast/Xfinity is not participating in the device subsidy portion of the EBB program. Currently, their focus is to provide broadband connectivity through many options and tiers for as many eligible customers as possible. However, new Internet Essentials customers can still participate in the company’s low-cost computer program.
Are There Any Xfinity Internet Services That Are Not Eligible For The EBB?
Yes, Xfinity’s EBB subsidy can’t be used for prepaid internet, unlimited data, data overage charges, taxes and fees, or any non-internet Xfinity products or equipment, including Xfinity Voice and Xfinity Mobile. Customers who receive internet service through Xfinity Communities, Xfinity On Campus, or through an organization or school-sponsored program and don’t have an individual account with upgraded services may not enroll in Xfinity’s EBB.
Can I Transfer Xfinity Benefits To Another Person Or Household?
Xfinity’s EBB program subsidies are nontransferable. The benefit is limited to one per household.
If I Move While Receiving The EBB Subsidy, What Happens?
Moving doesn’t change your EBB eligibility. Nonetheless, you may be required to re-enroll with your new address. If you move to a location that is not serviceable by Comcast, check with your new internet service provider to make sure they are also an EBB provider.
Can My EBB Benefits Be Transferred Between Internet Service Provides?
The EBB service is limited to one per household and a household can also be applied to one provider at a time. Nevertheless, you can de-enroll with your current provider and re-enroll with another provider at any time.
What Happens At The End Of The EBB Program?
When the EBB program ends, your service will continue and you will be required to pay full rates (depending on the internet service you have selected). You will also be able to change your internet service if you wish to do so. You can do so at xfinity.com/myaccount or by calling 1-800-xfinity.
My Social Security, Date Of Birth, Or Identity Could Not Be Verified. What Do I Do Next?
First, make sure that the information you provided to the National Verifier is correct. If it’s correct, you may be required to submit an official document as proof with your application. You can see the list of acceptable documents above. Read more at lifelinesupport.org/national-verifier/error-messages-relating-to-your-identity.
My Application Identified Me As Being Deceased. What Do I Do Next?
Submit copies of an official, unexpired documentation proving your date of birth, the last four digits of your social security number, and proof of life to the National Verifier. You can see the list of acceptable documents above.
My Application Information Matches The Information Of Another Person That Is On File With The National Verifier. What Do I Do Next?
In this case, submit one document with your Date of Birth (DOB) and a second with the last four digits of your Social Security number (SSN) on it. If you believe this could be fraud, contact the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) at [email protected].
I Am Under 18 Years Old. Can I Participate In The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
Only people 18 years old or more or emancipated minors can qualify for the EBB program. In case you are an emancipated minor, submit an official document proving so.
My Address Was Not Recognized. What Do I Do Next?
Make sure the information you provided is correct. If it is, you can resolve this error online or through the mail. Read more at lifelinesupport.org/national-verifier/error-messages-relating-to-your-address.
