The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with congressional approval, launched an Emergency Broadband Program in which Pell Grant recipients are eligible for up to $50 per month — or $75 in Tribal areas — to pay for internet service.
The benefit is slated to last until the funding appropriated by Congress runs out or until six months after the pandemic is declared to have ended by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, whichever happens first. Providers will also be required to notify beneficiaries that the subsidy is winding down.
You may have received an email from the Department of Education (ED) about this new federal benefit to help promote broadband access. It would have been from “noreply@studentaid.gov” with the subject line: “Apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.” This email will enable you to easily access the monthly stipend. You may also apply at Get Emergency Broadband.
You will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility. The email from the Department of Education can serve as your proof. When you complete the online application, select “Yes, I am a Pell Grant recipient.” You will have the ability to upload a copy of the email directly into the application.
