The Emergency Broadband Benefit ended in May 2024, and no direct replacement exists

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) was a federal program that paid up to $50 per month toward internet service for households that met income or other hardship requirements. It ran from May 2021 through May 2024. When the funding ran out, the program closed entirely — there is no successor program with the same structure or funding level.

However, the closure does not mean broadband help disappeared. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which existed alongside EBB, is still running and covers many of the same households. Additionally, some states and cities have created their own broadband subsidy programs to fill the gap. The path forward depends on your income, where you live, and which internet providers serve your area.

Key Takeaways

  • The Emergency Broadband Benefit closed in May 2024 after its federal funding ended, with no replacement program announced.
  • The Affordable Connectivity Program remains active and covers households at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, offering up to $30 per month for internet service.
  • Some states and cities have launched their own broadband subsidy programs since EBB ended, though availability and benefit amounts vary by location.
  • Households that received EBB should check whether they meet ACP income requirements, as many will be able to continue receiving help.

How the Emergency Broadband Benefit worked before it ended

EBB provided a monthly subsidy of up to $50 toward internet service bills. Households could receive the benefit if they met one of several conditions: income at or below 135% of the federal poverty line, participation in certain information programs (like SNAP or Medicaid), or recent job loss due to a layoff or furlough. The program paid the internet provider directly, so the discount appeared on your monthly bill rather than as a separate payment.

When EBB launched in May 2021, Congress allocated $3.2 billion in funding. The program grew quickly — by early 2024, it was serving roughly 9 million households. However, the funding was always meant to be temporary. By late 2023, the program announced it would close when money ran out, which happened in May 2024. Households that were enrolled received notice that their subsidy would end, though some providers offered to transition them to ACP if they met those requirements.

The Affordable Connectivity Program: what it covers and who qualifies

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal subsidy that covers up to $30 per month of internet service costs. It is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and has been running since 2021. Unlike EBB, ACP is based solely on income: your household must have income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. For a single person in 2024, that threshold is roughly $28,860 per year; for a family of four, roughly $59,280 per year. These figures change annually.

ACP also covers households where at least one member receives benefits from programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. If you received EBB, you likely met ACP's income threshold as well, since EBB's threshold was stricter (135% of poverty line versus ACP's 200%). You can check your household's income against the current poverty guidelines on the FCC's ACP website or by calling your state's broadband program office.

The subsidy is paid directly to your internet provider, so it reduces your monthly bill. You choose your own provider from those participating in the program — most major providers participate, though some smaller regional providers do not. If your provider does not participate, you may be able to switch to one that does.

State and local broadband programs that launched after EBB closed

Several states and cities created their own broadband subsidy programs after the Emergency Broadband Benefit ended, recognizing that the gap left by EBB's closure would affect millions of households. These programs vary significantly in structure, benefit amount, and who qualifies.

California launched the California Broadband Subsidy Program in 2024, offering up to $30 per month to households at or below 200% of the federal poverty line — similar to ACP's structure but state-funded. New York has the Broadband for All program, which provides subsidies to low-income households and is still enrolling people. Colorado offers the Colorado Broadband information Program. Washington State has the Washington Broadband information Program. Massachusetts provides broadband subsidies through its MassAccess program.

Beyond state programs, some cities and counties have created local initiatives. Philadelphia offers subsidized broadband through its Office of Innovation and Technology. Los Angeles has the LA Broadband Initiative. Chicago provides broadband information through its Department of Innovation and Technology. These programs often have different income thresholds, benefit amounts, and provider networks than the federal programs. Your state or local government website should list what is available in your area, or you can call 211 to ask what broadband programs serve your location.

How to find out what broadband help is available where you live

Start by checking whether you meet the income threshold for the Affordable Connectivity Program, since it is available nationwide. You can verify your income against the current federal poverty guidelines on the FCC's ACP page, or call the ACP support line at 1-877-384-2575. If you may have access to, you can enroll directly through the FCC's website or through your internet provider.

Next, search for state and local programs specific to your area. Visit your state's broadband office website — most states have one, often housed in the Public Utilities Commission, Department of Commerce, or Office of Broadband. If you cannot find it, call your state's 211 line (dial 2-1-1) and ask what broadband subsidy programs are currently open in your county. Local housing authorities and community action agencies also maintain lists of broadband programs and can tell you which ones are currently accepting new households.

When you contact a program, ask three things: whether your household's income qualifies, which internet providers participate, and whether the program is currently open to new households (some programs run out of funding and reopen later). Write down the program name, the contact person's name, and the date you called — this creates a record if you need to follow up.

What to do if you were on Emergency Broadband Benefit and lost your subsidy

If your EBB subsidy ended in May 2024, your first step is to check whether you meet the Affordable Connectivity Program's income threshold. Many EBB households do may have access to for ACP, and the process is straightforward: you can enroll online through the FCC website, by phone at 1-877-384-2575, or through your internet provider's website. Have your Social Security number and proof of income (a recent tax return, pay stub, or benefits letter) ready when you explore.

If your income is too high for ACP, look for state or local programs in your area. Some programs have higher income thresholds than ACP, and some offer larger monthly subsidies. If you cannot find a program that covers you, contact your internet provider directly and ask whether they offer any low-income plans or discounts. Many providers have their own reduced-cost plans for customers who do not meet federal subsidy thresholds — these are separate from government programs and may be available to you.

If you have already lost your EBB subsidy and cannot find another program, consider whether you can negotiate with your provider. Some providers will lower your rate if you ask, especially if you have been a long-term customer. It is worth calling and asking what options exist for reducing your monthly bill.

Why the Emergency Broadband Benefit ended and what that means for future programs

Congress allocated a fixed amount of funding to the Emergency Broadband Benefit when it created the program in 2021. That funding was always temporary — the program was designed to help households during the pandemic and the economic disruption that followed. As enrollment grew and inflation raised costs, the funding depleted faster than originally projected. By early 2024, the FCC announced that the program would close when money ran out, which occurred in May 2024.

The closure reflects a broader challenge in federal broadband policy: temporary programs funded through one-time appropriations eventually end, leaving gaps in coverage. The Affordable Connectivity Program has the same structure — it is funded through a fixed appropriation that will eventually run out, though the FCC has not announced a closure date. Whether Congress will create a new permanent broadband subsidy program, extend ACP, or leave the responsibility to states and cities remains uncertain. For now, the safest approach is to enroll in whatever program you currently may have access to for, and check annually whether your state or locality has launched new programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get both the Affordable Connectivity Program and a state broadband program at the same time?

No. You can only receive one broadband subsidy at a time. If you are enrolled in ACP, you cannot also receive a state program's subsidy. However, you can switch between programs if a state or local program offers a higher benefit amount or better terms. Contact the programs to understand which one is the best fit for your situation.

What if my internet provider does not participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program?

You have two options: switch to a provider that does participate in ACP, or look for a state or local program that includes your current provider. Most major providers (Comcast, Charter, Verizon, AT&T) participate in ACP, but some smaller regional providers do not. Call your provider and ask whether they participate; if they do not, ask which ACP-participating providers serve your address.

How long will the Affordable Connectivity Program last?

The FCC has not announced a closure date for ACP. However, like the Emergency Broadband Benefit, ACP is funded through a fixed congressional appropriation that will eventually run out. The program is currently active and accepting new households, but there is no may provide it will continue indefinitely. Enroll now if you may have access to, and monitor your state and local government websites for new programs in case ACP closes.

Do I have to reapply for the Affordable Connectivity Program every year?

Yes. ACP requires annual recertification of income. You will receive a notice when your certification is about to expire, and you can recertify online, by phone, or through your provider. If you do not recertify, your subsidy will end. Set a reminder on your calendar so you do not miss the important date.

What counts as proof of income for broadband programs?

Most programs accept recent tax returns, pay stubs, benefits letters (from SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or other programs), or a signed statement of income. Some programs also accept bank statements or utility bills as secondary proof. When you contact a program, ask what documents they specifically need — requirements vary by program.