FCC finalizes new broadband subsidy plan; who qualifies?

The Federal Communications Commission has finalized a $3.2 billion program to provide a monthly discount for internet access to Americans in need. The emergency subsidies were approved by Congress in December as part of the relief-and-stimulus package.

"The first-of-its-kind emergency program aims to support families who are at or near the poverty line, workers who have recently lost their jobs, and students who receive some federal assistance to subsidize their higher-education costs. Many of these Americans will see their Internet bills reduced by as much as $50 a month in credits paid to their Internet service providers, and residents of tribal areas are eligible for even larger discounts," Tony Romm reports for The Washington Post.

"Discounts are limited to one per household. Some families also may be eligible for a one-time credit of $100 to help them purchase a device to access broadband service. They will have to apply to receive the aid, which will be paid directly to Internet providers that register with the U.S. government and obtain permission to participate. Companies are not required to accept the benefits."

Longtime FCC member Jessica Rosenworcel, now acting director, said she is especially concerned about poor and rural students' relative lack of internet access and hopes the new program will help close the "homework gap" (a term she coined), Alyson Klein reports for Education Week.

Who qualifies for the program? Here's a short list, from Clare Duffy of CNN Business:

• Households with at least one member who qualifies for the FCC's existing Lifeline support program, which serves low-income Americans, including those on Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps);
• Households whose children qualify for free or reduced-price school meal programs during the current or previous school year;
• Recipients of Pell grants for postsecondary education;
• Households that have suffered a substantial loss of income since Feb. 29, 2020, if their total income for last year fell below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers;
• Households that meet eligibility criteria for another low-income or coronavirus-discount program from a participating provider.