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We’re getting the word out about FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit. Having a broadband connection is a must have for households to get access to jobs, healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more. Enrollment starts May 12.

What is the Emergency Broadband Benefit?

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) is a temporary FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford broadband internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The benefit offers:

• Up to $50 per month discount for broadband service
• Up to $75 per month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands
• A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet bought through a participating provider if the household contributes more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Who Can Apply

A household is eligible if someone in the household meets one of these criteria:

• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline.
• Gets benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program or did so in the 2019-2020 school year.
• Got a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
• Had a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020.
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Learn more: FAQs for Emergency Broadband Benefit

3 Ways to Apply

1. Contact your preferred participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process. See Providers in Oklahoma: Emergency Broadband Benefit Providers in Oklahoma
2. Go to  GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online.
3. Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it with proof of eligibility to:
   Emergency Broadband Support Center
   P.O. Box 7081
   London, KY 40742

Questions and Answers about the Broadband Benefit

Do I get the Funds Each Month?
No, the participating broadband provider will get the funds directly from the EBB program.

Which Providers are Participating?
Broadband providers choose whether or not to participate.  See a list of Providers in Oklahoma.

Will I Be Automatically Billed at Higher Rates if the Program Ends?
No. Households will need to opt-in to keep their service once the EBB program ends.

See more questions and answers: FAQs for Emergency Broadband Benefit

Get Tax Help

File a free federal and state return if your income in 2020 was $72,000 or less. Or, you may have questions as you’re using the OLT free filing service.

Certified Tax Coaches Can Help

Contact by Email:
vita@midwestcityok.org

Available to take questions:
Tuesday and Thursday 1:00 to 7:00

Get a response within 24 hours, working days.

First: Validate Your Identity

To e-file your 2020 tax return, you must verify your identity with your Adjusted Gross Income from your 2019 tax return.

Next: Make an account in OLT OnLine Taxes

OLT OnLine Taxes is the IRS approved free file tax filing service.

• Easy Q&A guidance to fill out the 1040 form
• No age restrictions
• e-file service for federal and Oklahoma returns
• Form 1040NR (non-resident)
• View and print tax returns

More on Taxes, Filing & Tracking Returns

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You May Qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit

You may have extra money waiting for you with the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income.

If you qualify, you could pay less federal tax or even get money back. The EITC is a boost to help pay your bills or save for a rainy day.

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