For many low-income families in Jersey City, Internet access is a luxury they can’t afford. To help bridge the digital divide, Mayor Steven Fulop and the Jersey City Housing Authority (JCHA) are rolling out the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program.
The program helps lower the cost of broadband service for eligible households during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a temporary subsidy of up to $50 per month for eligible households. The program also offers up to $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet.
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“Everyone deserves equal access to opportunity regardless of income level, and this program will help close the digital divide to ensure kids can do their schoolwork, residents can improve income potential, and families can utilize telehealth services, among many other enhanced economic and social opportunities,” said Mayor Fulop.
Eligibility for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program
A household is eligible for the EBB program if one member meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Has an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Participates in assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension Benefit, or Lifeline.
- Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Experienced a substantial loss of income through job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020.
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
How to apply
Jersey City residents can apply to the program via computer stations the city has set up. The stations can be found inside City Hall (280 Grove Street) and at the City Hall Annex (4 Jackson Square along MLK Boulevard). Alternatively, residents can apply online via the EBB website.
