AARP encourages West Virginians to take advantage of internet supplement

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia AARP is encouraging West Virginians to check and see if they qualify for the new Emergency Broadband Benefit Program from the Federal Communications Commission.

“What this can do is not only help individuals who may be unserved or underserved by getting them equipped to make the connection to high speed internet, but it can also help those being served by an existing provider to get them a discount for equipment they can use to connect to the internet,” said Tom Hunter of West Virginia AARP.

The FCC has allocated $3.2 billion for the program and is available to those who qualify with either a $50 discount on their internet bill monthly or they may qualify for a one-time $100 credit toward the purchase of a computer or other device to access the internet.

Qualifications are based on income and can roughly be determined by federal program already being received. According to Hunter, Residents may be eligible for the EBB if they:

· Qualify for the Lifeline program, as well as those who participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI benefits.

· Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020, and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.

· Meet the criteria for a participating internet provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

“A lot of it is income based and as we know through the past year and the pandemic, many West Virginians have suffered some significant setbacks and struggled to get by and that could qualify them for the program,” he explained.

Those wanting to take advantage of the program or learn more about how to access the benefits have several ways of contacting AARP for help. They can call 1-833-511-0311 or text the word “internet” to 22777. If they have existing internet service they can learn more online at aarp.org/ebb.

“During the Covid 19 pandemic we’ve come to realize high speed internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for patients navigating telehealth, students learning remotely, or loved ones wanting to stay connected. This is a program that can help a lot of West Virginians,” Hunter said.





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