TOPEKA - The start of a new school year is an expensive time for families.  If you are struggling to pay for phone and internet service while navigating back to school costs, help is available.

The Kansas Corporation Commission encourages Kansans in need of assistance to apply for Lifeline and the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). Both programs help low-income families and individuals stay connected so they can access healthcare, attend classes, find jobs, and call for help in an emergency. Anyone who qualifies for Lifeline also qualifies for Emergency Broadband.

Lifeline provides federal and state discounts up to $17.02 per month on phone service (wireless or residential) and broadband. The $3.2 billion federal Emergency Broadband Benefit, launched last May in response to the pandemic, provides a $50 per month broadband discount. Participants also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. Both programs offer additional discounts for subscribers living on tribal lands.

To be eligible for Lifeline, your household income must be at or below 135% of the poverty level or you receive one or more of the following benefits:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FHPA)
• Veterans Pension & Survivors Pension Benefit
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Head Start Tribal Programs (only those meeting its income qualifying standard)
• The Food Distribution Program on Tribal Lands.

To qualify for EBB, your household must meet one of the following requirements:

• Meet the criteria for the Lifeline program
• Receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year.
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
• Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020.
• Meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Kansans can apply for both programs directly through one of many participating providers in the state. More information is also available on the KCC website.