As hurricanes batter the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, many people’s livelihoods are on hold and they are struggling to make ends meet. The FCC just decided that Anyone affected by a natural disaster can get a break in broadband and mobile service; It’s not much, but every little bit counts.
The Lifeline program is a long-term program that helps reduce the cost of Internet access for anyone who temporarily or chronically has difficulty paying. Like any cash assistance program, it has had its ups and downs over the years as officials argue over who qualifies and for how much.
However, right now, all you need to know is that if you were affected by a recent storm or if another one hits this season, you qualify for a few dollars off your internet bill. This is what the FCC writes:
Due to the demanding circumstances arising from Hurricane Milton, we believe there is good reason to take additional steps to quickly ensure that households receive critical assistance for their communications needs following hurricanes and other tropical weather systems in the near term. Such as […] We are temporarily waiving Lifeline eligibility requirements to allow households not already enrolled in the Lifeline program to enter the program if they are receiving [FEMA assistance] as a result of the impacts of Hurricane Milton or other hurricanes or other tropical weather systems resulting in a presidential declaration of an emergency or major disaster occurring during the next six months.
The maximum subsidy of $9.25 isn’t exactly life-changing, but for many people affected by these storms, it’s a meal they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford. It’s probably not the only help you can get, either. Sign up to receive Lifeline material here and snoop around to see if those benefits can be extended, increased, or if multiple family members (each with their own cell phone bill, for example) can claim them.
If you qualify for one, you probably qualify for several. So if you’re having trouble due to storm-related issues, whether it’s your house flooding, your workplace being closed, or anything else, give it a try.
Start here to apply. It doesn’t cost anything. The current exemption extending the conditions for access to Lifeline will last for six months, but I would be surprised if this does not become commonplace.