in our free newsletter.

Thousands benefit from our email every week.

A New Year's Eve deadline

New Year's Eve 2022 concept. Clock hands on year number 2022. Gold magic background with fireworks and blurred lights.
NAPA / Shutterstock

The FCC has said the goal of the broadband benefit is to prevent families from losing access to an essential resource during COVID-19.

"No one should have to choose between paying their internet bill or paying to put food on the table," Rosenworcel said in a news release when the program opened.

Households have been able to receive:

  • Up to $50 a month off broadband service and associated equipment rentals.
  • A discount of up to $75 a month on broadband service for homes on qualifying tribal lands.
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop, tablet or desktop computer.

But the current program is winding down and will be replaced by a less generous one in the new year. Families have until Friday, Dec. 31, to enroll and receive the current benefit until March 1, 2022, the FCC says.

Capital One Shopping’s browser add-on automatically applies coupon codes as you shop online. It’s absolutely free – plus it takes only two clicks to install. Add the Capital One Shopping browser extension today and start earning discounts of up to 50% on the things you already buy.

Install for Free

What's changing?

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 15: U.S. Federal Communications Commission Headquarters in Washington, DC on February 15, 2015.
Mark Van Scyoc / Shutterstock

The broadband benefit will be morphing into a new Affordable Connectivity Program created by the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that President Joe Biden signed in November.

It's not clear yet how families will transition from the existing program to the new one, though the FCC's website says households will need to "requalify."

Here's something that is known: The maximum discount on internet for most families will be reduced — from $50 a month down to $30.

But the government indicates it may become easier to get a benefit, because consumers will have new ways to qualify. Right now, you're eligible for the assistance if:

  • Your income is at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines for your family size, or you receive assistance through programs including SNAP "food stamps" or Medicaid.
  • Your kids were approved to receive benefits under a free or reduced-price school meal program during the last or current school year.
  • You experienced a substantial loss of income due to being laid off or furloughed since Feb. 29, 2020, and your household income last year was at or below $99,000 for single tax filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
  • You meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband company's existing low-income or COVID programs.

Under the new program, you can qualify:

  • With an income up to 200% of the poverty line.
  • If your household receives WIC nutrition benefits.

How to apply — and how to bolster your budget even further

Worried young parent calculating bills at home
GreenMiles / Shutterstock

To get on board the current $50-a-month broadband benefit before the New Year's cutoff, apply online at GetEmergencyBroadband.org.

And if you're needing even more money to stay on your financial feet as the pandemic hangs on, here are a few ways to give your bank account more stimulus.

Cut the cost of your debt. Credit cards can help in emergencies, but their high interest rates can be costly. If you've been relying heavily on plastic to get you through the COVID crisis, try rolling your balances into a lower-interest debt consolidation loan.

Find cheaper insurance. If it's been a while since you last looked around for a better price on your auto insurance, you may easily be overpaying by hundreds of dollars a year. Shop around to find the best possible rate on your coverage.

Reduce your housing costs with a refi. If you’re a homeowner and haven't refinanced your loan in the last year, you could be missing out on major savings. Refi rates are now available at 2% and even lower, and multiple studies have indicated that savings of at least $300 a month are typical.

Turn your pennies into profits. You don’t need to be rich, know all the lingo or pay massive brokerage fees to make money in the record-breaking stock market. Using a popular app, you can build a portfolio just by Investing your "spare change" from everyday purchases.

Kiss Your Credit Card Debt Goodbye

Millions of Americans are struggling to crawl out of debt in the face of record-high interest rates. A personal loan offers lower interest rates and fixed payments, making it a smart choice to consolidate high-interest credit card debt. It helps save money, simplifies payments, and accelerates debt payoff. Credible is a free online service that shows you the best lending options to pay off your credit card debt fast — and save a ton in interest.

About the Author

Doug Whiteman

Doug Whiteman

Former Editor-in-Chief

Doug Whiteman was formerly the editor-in-chief of MoneyWise. He has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and CNBC.com and has been interviewed on Fox Business, CBS Radio and the syndicated TV show "First Business."

What to Read Next

Disclaimer

The content provided on Moneywise is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter.