The Straight Talk Emergency Broadband Benefit provides eligible customers with distinct advantages each month. This is done without affecting their use of their own IT device and their preferred number. This article will explain how the Straight Talk Emergency Broadband Benefit Program works.
What is the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program or EBB program, is a government program that's designed to assist eligible consumers during the pandemic. It reduces the cost of their Internet broadband service bill.
Each qualifying consumer receives a credit of $50. This is applied directly to their bill from their service provider's end. You'll never receive the money in cash.
This benefit is a temporary benefit. Whenever the pandemic ends, you will no longer be able to receive that discount on your bill.
Some consumers will receive a greater benefit than others. Generally, you can receive up to $75 as a discount on your Broadband bill, depending on where you live. Residents of some areas, such as Tribal lands, will also be able to receive other benefits.
How does the Emergency Broadband Program work with Straight Talk?
If you're a qualifying consumer, you can contact Straight Talk to benefit from the EBB. This broadband provider has several plans which may be suitable for your household and you're allowed to choose the one that you prefer.
Straight Talk makes broadband service available on a variety of devices which may be used in your household. This includes tablets, laptops and desktop computers.
If you're already a Straight Talk customer, you can keep the device that you already have. You can also keep your number and apply the benefit towards it. You don't need to apply for a new plan.
Straight Talk customers receive free Hotspot data, free unlimited text, unlimited chat and unlimited broadband access. A compatible device is required to access Hotspot data on the EBB plan. If you receive a free device through the Straight Talk EB program, you will only receive this device once.
As long as any member of your household meets the qualifying criteria, you're allowed to apply. Once the documents are submitted, you will receive notification that you're in the program within 48 hours.
How to qualify for the Straight Talk EBB program?
In order to qualify for the Straight Talk EBB program, you need to meet one of the criteria that's described by the Federal government. For example, you need to currently be benefiting from the SNAP program, Lifeline or Medicaid.
If you received approval for a lunch program, you can also qualify. Recipients of a Federal Pell Grant and individuals who have been placed on furlough during the pandemic or suffered job losses due to the pandemic will also qualify.
What documents are required for the Straight Talk EBB program?
The documents that are required to qualify or to prove your eligibility for the Straight Talk EBB program, will vary according to the criteria that you meet. For example, if you qualify because you're receiving unemployment benefits, you need to prove that by submitting an official Employment Letter. which provides information such as a date when you started to receive unemployment benefits
Internet service providers such a Straight Talk can often enrol customers directly. This means that you won't need to print, complete and mail in an application form. In most cases, you also won't need to supply supporting documents because your name would be found in a database for the program that you're already enrolled in.
How do I apply for the Straight Talk Emergency Broadband benefit?
There are three main ways to apply for the Straight Talk Emergency Broadband Benefit. These are to apply directly through the Internet Service Provider provider, mail in your application to the EBB Center or apply through a company.
The easiest way to apply is through the ISP. This is especially so if you already have a plan with Straight Talk. Visit Straight Talk's website, click on Apply on the EBB page, provide information such as your name, zip code and email address in the form provided and indicate whether you want to use an existing Straight Talk phone number or get a new number for the EBB program.
if you don't want to apply directly through Straight Talk's website, you can apply on GetEmergencyBroadband.Org. After you have completed your application on that website, you'll need to select Straight Talk from the list of providers.
If you decide to mail in your application, you need to print it, complete it and mail it, along with supporting documents, to the Emergency Broadband Support Center at the address given further below. You'll have to wait for notification that your application has been approved. After that, you can contact Straight Talk.
How do I know if I'm eligible for the Straight Talk EBB?
You would usually be notified in 48 hours if your application has been approved. This is the case where you applied through Straight Talk or another online method. However, if you mail in your application, you'll have to wait for a longer time before you'll know that your application has been approved.
Generally, you will be eligible for the program if you are already receiving some sort of benefit in a government program. For example, if you're receiving unemployment benefits you can safely assume that you will be eligible. The same applies if you've received support with school lunch or you've received assistance through Medicaid.
Can I check the status of my application?
Yes. You can check the status of your application. You can do this by visiting BroadbandBenefits.com or GetEmergencyBroadband.org.
What are the benefits if I'm qualified for the Straight Talk EBB?
If you're qualified for the Straight Talk EBB, you'll receive a number of benefits that will allow you and your children to continue to participate in your regular activities. You'll be able to attend meetings via teleconferencing platforms without worrying about the associated broadband charges. Similarly, your children will be able to attend online classes by utilizing this government supported program.
Each person who uses a plan in this program will receive unlimited text messaging, unlimited talk and even Hotspot data for free. Several individuals may make use of their own tablet in the program or receive a device.
Can I get a free tablet with the Straight Talk EBB program?
Yes. When you are approved for the Straight Talk EBB program, you'll receive all of the free monthly benefits. This includes the free tablet, so you don't need to purchase a device separately in order to benefit from the program. You will be required to indicate whether you need a tablet, as you fill out the form in the regular application process.
Are there any restrictions for the Straight Talk EBB program?
Yes,. Several restrictions are in place for the Straight Talk EBB program. You will only receive one device per household. Each household can only receive the EBB benefit once per month. That is, you cannot apply twice for the EBB program from the same household.
In order to qualify for the EBB program you must live in the United States. You must also qualify under the criteria described by the government. That is, you must be receiving Medicaid, be unemployed or meet one of the other criteria.
Can I receive the EBB if someone in my household is already receiving Lifeline benefits?
Yes. Both Lifeline and EBB benefits can be received in the same household. These benefits can also be combined with other programs. For example, if you are receiving Medicaid you can still receive EBB benefits.
FAQ
How do I know if an EBB program is available in my area?
All broadband providers don't offer the Emergency Broadband Benefit. You'll have to check to ensure that a provider in your area makes this benefit available to households.
FCC.gov gives information on Emergency Broadband Benefit providers which are in your area. The list is updated whenever new providers join the program.
You can search the FCC's website by state to view all the providers in your area. Information on the types of devices that are supported is also available.
What is the address of the Emergency Broadband Support Center?
The address that's utilized by the Emergency Broadband Support Center is a post office box. You can contact them at:
Emergency Broadband Support Center
P.O. Box 708
London, KY 40742
If I'm affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and lost my job am I eligible for the EBB program?
If you've lost your job, you may be eligible for the EBB. Your unemployment benefit letter would be used as proof. This letter must contain information such as your name, the effective date or end date, your address and the amount of the unemployment benefit that you're receiving.
Why choose Straight Talk's EBB program?
When you choose Straight Talk's EBB program, you'll be able to stay in contact with family, teachers, coworkers and other individuals via several means of communication. GSM, CDMA, AT&T and T-Mobile devices are all compatible with Straight Talk's system. Straight Talk's network is dependable and is ranked among the best in America.
Straight Talk's EBB program gives you access to unlimited text messages. Customers will also receive unlimited talk at no cost.
Data is available through the program, with EBB plans providing unlimited data to customers who qualify. You'll also get 10 GB of Hotspot data for free. Customers in some areas will also qualify for other benefits.
When will the EBB Program start and end?
The rules and policies that allow consumers to benefit from the EBB were adopted on February 25th, 2021. The program will end when Federal funds run out or the pandemic ends. The pandemic will have to officially be declared over by the Department of Health and Human Services. The program will end six months after that, if Federal funds have not run out before.
How will I know when the EBB program has ended?
This benefit is temporary, so it will end when Federal funds are expended. It may also end six months after the end of the pandemic, if that happens first.
Consumers who are receiving the benefit will be notified in advance when the program is about to end. Your Internet Service Provider will let you know when the program is about to end. You'll be told 30 days in advance, so you'll have time to decide whether you want to stay on the broadband plan.
The program aims to help households stay connected, in a time when people are forced to be physically distant in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. When the pandemic ends, you'll have to cover your broadband costs.
What will happen after the EBB ends?
When the EBB ends, you'll have the option of continuing with the broadband plan that you currently have. The government subsidy will no longer be applied to that plan. This means that you will have to cover the full cost of the plan.
Can I receive both the Emergency Broadband benefits and Lifeline at the same time?
Yes. You can receive both Lifeline and EBB benefits simultaneously. The program can be combined with other local and state benefits. For example, the same household could have their mobile service supported by Lifeline and their broadband service supplemented by the EBB.
Can I refer a friend who qualifies?
You can refer a friend who qualifies for the EBB. Both you and your friend will earn points towards a free plan.
Can retirees apply for the Straight Talk EBB?
Yes. Retirees can apply as long as they meet the same criteria as other consumers. For example, if you meet the poverty threshold, you'll qualify.
Is the Straight Talk EBB program only available to US citizens?
The EBB is only open to people in America but this includes both residents and citizens. In addition, these US residents must have lost their job or experienced a significant loss of income during the pandemic. So, whether you're a US resident or citizen, you can apply for the EBB.
