Topic Wiki

https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=124704.msg2444683#msg2444683
@CGR
Thanks! Was going to start a thread on this now.
I have a full writeup in my signature link but here are some details:

The program provides:
-up to $50 per month towards broadband service
-a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet (applicants must contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price)
This program stacks with the FCC’s existing Lifeline Program, so you can receive both Lifeline and the Emergency Broadband Benefit on the same service.

The program will end once funds have been exhausted, or 6 months after the Department of Health and Human Services lifts the Covid emergency- whichever comes first. Your provider will notify you when your benefit is scheduled to end.


At least one household member must be enrolled in one of the following programs for the household to qualify:
-Lifeline program
-Free and reduced-price school lunch program (students who were enrolled in the 2019-2020 school year but are currently homeschooled are also eligible)
-Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
-Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 (additionally, total household income must be below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers for the 2020 tax year)
-If your broadband provider is currently running a low-income or covid program that is income based and you qualify, you can qualify for this as well

The Emergency Broadband Benefit application opened on May 12, 2021. There are 3 ways one can apply for this program:
-Through your broadband provider
-Online via the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program website (https://www.getemergencybroadband.org/#)
-By calling 833-511-0311 and mailing in the necessary documents
If you are rejected AA (apply again ;) )
« Last edited by Joel on June 04, 2021, 04:08:46 PM »

Author Topic: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)  (Read 29211 times)

Offline cgr

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 4377
  • Total likes: 1318
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #100 on: June 04, 2021, 04:05:39 PM »
Word out there is that Optimum is rejecting applications for very flimsy reasons and call wait times to reconsider are well over 2 hours.
Not clear if they're deliberately making it difficult but it certainly seems like it.
I'm helping someone and we're on the 3rd try.

1) ID didn't match service address
2) Optimum account doesn't exist
3) hopeful

Offline Joel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2018
  • Posts: 5120
  • Total likes: 1078
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 76
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, National EE, Hertz PC, Enterprise Platinum, Avis PC
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #101 on: June 04, 2021, 04:07:12 PM »
Identical!
wow! added to wiki
If you are rejected (AA) apply again ;)

Offline cgr

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 4377
  • Total likes: 1318
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #102 on: June 09, 2021, 10:23:35 AM »

Offline simplicity

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Feb 2019
  • Posts: 1012
  • Total likes: 100
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: Lakewood
  • Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #103 on: June 09, 2021, 10:27:01 AM »
I am having an issue on optimum site, after submitting paperwork there is no place for me to finish the application, anyone else experiencing these issues?

Offline LNS

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 800
  • Total likes: 278
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #104 on: June 09, 2021, 01:53:34 PM »
if im qualified thru one of my children what would be the best form of proof ?
i tried submitting medicaid info but was denied because there was no dates

bump

would appreciate if anyone who is eligible thru their child can tell me what form of proof they provided

Offline Jellybelly

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2016
  • Posts: 1118
  • Total likes: 962
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #105 on: June 09, 2021, 11:18:59 PM »
Has anyone used the credit for a tablet or laptop yet?
Anyone?

Offline srap

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 2819
  • Total likes: 202
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #106 on: June 10, 2021, 01:39:37 AM »
Why is everyone talking about Optimum instead of their phone carrier which allows for an extra $100 towards a device?

Offline yesitsme

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Dec 2014
  • Posts: 5020
  • Total likes: 2237
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #107 on: June 10, 2021, 01:45:46 AM »
Why is everyone talking about Optimum instead of their phone carrier which allows for an extra $100 towards a device?
How about optimum is our phone carrier? Or I didnt get your question
I don't have a phone carrier I use obi+Google voice
["-"]

Offline dovy2

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Oct 2012
  • Posts: 2379
  • Total likes: 297
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 24
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #108 on: June 10, 2021, 08:11:12 AM »
bump

would appreciate if anyone who is eligible thru their child can tell me what form of proof they provided
I used my snap Budget letter

Offline Mf1

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Sep 2019
  • Posts: 1251
  • Total likes: 159
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 24
    • View Profile
  • Location: Ny
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #109 on: June 10, 2021, 08:23:39 AM »
Applied 5/19.
Approval email 5/27.
E-bill with discount 5/29.
I was approved through the state. Got FiOS added it to my account but they said it would take one or two billing cycles to start applying to my account and until then I'll have to pay. Anyone have experience if that's the actual timeline or if it will practical y be applied sooner?

Offline srap

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 2819
  • Total likes: 202
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #110 on: June 10, 2021, 09:22:16 AM »
How about optimum is our phone carrier? Or I didnt get your question
I don't have a phone carrier I use obi+Google voice
I didn't realize Optimum was a cell carrier, as well.  I thought they were only landline/TV/internet.

Offline cgr

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 4377
  • Total likes: 1318
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #111 on: June 10, 2021, 09:24:00 AM »
I'm helping someone and we're on the 3rd try.

1) ID didn't match service address
2) Optimum account doesn't exist
3) hopeful

3) name and/or address on the documentation provided does not match the name and/or address on the application (not true obviously)

Offline iwlw2

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Nov 2015
  • Posts: 251
  • Total likes: 188
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #112 on: June 10, 2021, 11:10:11 AM »
DP for those interested, I tried to apply with my childs Pell grant. It clearly says on the Optimum application that acceptable documentation for this includes a Student Aid Report from Fafsa, so that was simple enough to logon to FAFSA and get, so I used that. Application denied. When I called Optimum they said, yeah thats not good enough. (This was also after I applied through Lifeline and was approved, but Optimum refuses to apply the approval to my account, say I need to re-apply through them. Beyond frustrating....)

Offline LNS

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 800
  • Total likes: 278
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #113 on: June 10, 2021, 11:13:20 AM »
I used my snap Budget letter

dont have snap

Offline chff

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 5895
  • Total likes: 686
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 25
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC (not anymore)
  • Programs: All of them...

Offline cozmohoot

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jan 2012
  • Posts: 4440
  • Total likes: 95
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #115 on: June 10, 2021, 10:39:30 PM »
I didn't realize Optimum was a cell carrier, as well.  I thought they were only landline/TV/internet.
I think what you asked and got answered confused you and them.

People dont realize that this ebb credit can also got to a cellular carrier.

Sounds like you realize this and asked why people aren't choosing a cell carrrier.


Offline ae123

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Mar 2011
  • Posts: 2164
  • Total likes: 183
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NJ
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #116 on: June 10, 2021, 11:55:56 PM »
I was approved through the state. Got FiOS added it to my account but they said it would take one or two billing cycles to start applying to my account and until then I'll have to pay. Anyone have experience if that's the actual timeline or if it will practical y be applied sooner?
Mine also said 1-2 billing cycles but showed up immediately.

Offline srap

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 2819
  • Total likes: 202
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #117 on: June 11, 2021, 12:02:32 AM »
I think what you asked and got answered confused you and them.

People dont realize that this ebb credit can also got to a cellular carrier.

Sounds like you realize this and asked why people aren't choosing a cell carrrier.
You are correct.  I assume most use cell phones and not landlines.  I just didn't realize that Optimum was also a cell carrier.

Offline cgr

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2017
  • Posts: 4377
  • Total likes: 1318
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 7
    • View Profile
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #118 on: June 20, 2021, 12:50:05 PM »
If anyone is still being rejected from EBB when applying with Optimum/Altice/Suddenlink, you can complete the form below and someone from Altice USA will be in touch.
https://form.jotform.com/211676793785069

Thanks to @YitzyS for bringing this issue to Optimum's attention, and chasing down a contact that can help!

Offline S209

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jun 2016
  • Posts: 7469
  • Total likes: 3930
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • Gowns By Shevy
  • Location: Lakewood
  • Programs: Marriott Gold, Star Alliance Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Hertz PC, National EE, Rock Royalty Wild Card, Wyndham Diamond, MLife Gold, Caesars Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Uber VIP, IHG Platinum Elite, ANA Platinum, DDF Lifetime Prez Platinum Elite, AmEx Platinum
Re: $50 Off Internet (with eligibility regs)
« Reply #119 on: June 20, 2021, 01:47:41 PM »
If anyone is still being rejected from EBB when applying with Optimum/Altice/Suddenlink, you can complete the form below and someone from Altice USA will be in touch.
https://form.jotform.com/211676793785069

Thanks to @YitzyS for bringing this issue to Optimum's attention, and chasing down a contact that can help!
+1

@YitzyS got me approved as well :)
Quote from: YitzyS
Quotes in a signature is annoying, as it comes across as an independent post.