BOSTON, MA – Haverhill State Representative Andy X. Vargas is urging Haverhill public school families to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (“EBB”). EBB is a Federal Communications Commission program which is offering eligible households a $50 discount on their monthly internet bills.
All Haverhill households with at least one child actively enrolled into a Haverhill Public School are eligible for this program. Haverhill Public Schools participates in the federal Community Eligibility Provision (“CEP”), which empowers the school district to provide free breakfast and lunch for all its students. Eligibility for the EBB is directly tied to participation in CEP.
“The $50 a month means a lot for many families and we’re doing our best to make sure every household is aware of this opportunity. Internet is still unaffordable in Haverhill and this will provide at least short term relief while we deal with the larger system issue— lack of competition and affordability”, said Rep. Vargas.
Households with at least one member the following programs are also eligible to qualify for the Benefit:
· Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”)/ Food Stamps
· Medicaid
· Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”)
· Federal Public Housing Assistance
· Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits
· Federal Pell Grant
Additionally, households that have experienced a substantial and documented loss of income since February 29, 2020 are eligible.
To apply for the program, households may contact their broadband provider and apply directly through them. Applications may also be submitted online through the FCC’s web portal at GetEmergencyBroadband.org. For assistance with applying for the program or questions about eligibility, please email Andy.Vargas@mahouse.gov or call the Office of State Representative Andy X. Vargas at 978-228-1233.
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