A new Federal Communications Commission program offers computers and broadband access to households and other entities who otherwise might not be able to afford these services.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary program that is using $3.2 billion in federal money to supply up to $50/month for broadband service and a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. This also is being offered to nonprofits, private and public schools, daycare centers, and other entities to access free surplus computers from the federal government.

Individual households are eligible if they meet one of these criteria:

• If they are on SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline.
• If they take part in a free and/or reduced-price school lunch or school breakfast program.
• If a student in the household has a federal Pell Grant.
• If the household has experienced a substantial loss of income because of a job loss since Feb. 29, 2020, and the household has a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for join filers.

There are three ways to apply for the benefits:

• Contact a preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process.
• Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and find participating providers near you.
• Call the office of U.S. Rep. Danny Davis at 773-533-7520, or call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application.

The application can be returned, along with copies of documents showing proof of eligibility, to:

Emergency Broadband Support Contact Center
P.O. Box 7081
London, KY 40742

The program also lets schools, educational nonprofits, and daycare centers with a state-approved preschool curriculum to view and choose excess computer equipment from federal agencies. Groups can apply at this link.