NEW CASTLE — A temporary benefit will help to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re pleased to partner with the (Federal Communications Commission) in getting the word out about these important discounts,” New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer said in a prepared statement. “We’re thankful the FCC has provided a number of programs where people who need help get to stay connected for work, for school and to their community.”

The $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit program provides a discount of up to a $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for qualifying households on certain tribal lands. The benefit also provides up to a $100-per-household discount toward a one-time purchase of a computer, laptop or tablet if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase through a participating broadband provider.

A household is eligible if one member meets at least 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 the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid or the FCC’s Lifeline program.
• Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-20 or 2020-21 school year.
• Received a federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
• Experienced a substantial decrease of income through job loss or furlough since Feb. 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.
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Co. using an online or mail-in application.

Additional information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit is available online or by calling (833) 511-0311 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. any day of the week.