The Covid-19 crisis and the pandemic impacts have forced many people to live below their standard life. Many Americans have experienced their lives with poverty due to the shutdown of jobs, businesses, and other income sources. Fortunately, the federal government has come up to help those Americans who have been affected physically, mentally, and financially. The government has begun to offer some exciting services specially designed for low-income people. One of them is the Emergency Broadband Benefits or EBB.
This pandemic showed how important it is to access the internet and how essential it is to stay connected with the people around us to continue our livelihoods. These internet-based remote works have been increasing vastly. But many US citizens find it hard to manage their monthly internet bills due to loss of income. That’s why the government has come forward with an initiative named EBB. The objective is to help people with their monthly internet bills. So that they can get unlimited access to high-speed internet to deal with work from home, online classes, and other governmental services. Through this benefit program (EBB), eligible customers will get a monthly discount on their broadband usage.
As a renowned wireless provider, Cricket Wireless has been serving people across America to make their life convenient with the High-speed internet. Now they have joined together with the federal government to offer EBB to low-income households so that they can smile in tough situations. Here we are going to discuss the details of the Cricket Wireless EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) program enrollment process.
What is Cricket Wireless EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) program?
Cricket Wireless is a proud participant of EBB to help eligible households who need this facility. With this EBB program, eligible customers can get temporary benefits on home internet service up to $50 per month. It is $75 per month for the eligible customers in Tribal lands. Now the family members of your household can continue their education, job, business, and overall communications through this program. The Federation Communications Commission (FCC) is heading and executing this non-transferable program. Only qualified households can enroll in this program. FCC set some eligibility criteria to determine the needy households across America. Every household gets only one monthly discount on a qualifying mobile broadband service plan for the duration of this program.
The EBB will continue to serve people until the Federal Government’s $3.2 billion exists. It is estimated to last for around six months. Cricket Wireless will notify its customers when the program ends. Existing Cricket prepaid customers can apply only if they meet the eligibility criteria. Only eligible customers can enroll at Cricket wireless Store or Walmart store.
Cricket Wireless always provides nationwide reliable coverage with affordable prepaid plans. They provide high-tech and innovative wireless experiences across the USA. Those affordable and straightforward service plans don’t require an annual contract and they are easy to adopt. With affordable plans, customers also can enjoy basic to top-brand phones at Cricket stores at a reasonable price. If the network is busy then data speed may create temporary slowness. 5G is not available in every area, for 5G coverage see Cricket Wireless map.
Cricket Wireless offers Under EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program
Cricket Wireless offers markets the most exciting and useful data plans that are also applicable for EBB customers.
- Cricket Simply Data : You will get 100GB of data with 5G for only $5 per month. You can buy this regular $55 per month prepaid plan only being eligible for the EBB.
- Cricket More : This package offers unlimited data and calls along with 15GB of Mobile Hotspot, 150 GB Cloud Storage, and 5G access at $10 per month only. Only the EBB customers can enjoy this $60 per month offer at $10. Single line customers can get this offer at $5 per month with AutoPay applied to it (applied to second service charge).
- Cricket Core : You can get this plan with unlimited data and calls only at $5 per month. But this regular $55 per month offer is free for single-line customers with EBB and AutoPay credit applied to it (applied to the second service charge).
All these Cricket Wireless plans have access to unlimited talk and texts in the US, Canada, and Mexico (In Canada you cannot exceed more than 50%). The unlimited text applies to over 37 countries from the US.
Cricket Wireless reserves all the right that they can stop this service anytime. Excessive use of the network may temporarily slow the 5G access and in that case, you need a 5G compatible device.
Who is Eligible for Cricket Wireless EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program ?
The FCC imposed some points as criteria for EBB eligibility. If you are already a qualified customer in any of these assistance programs then Cricket Wireless will consider you as eligible for the EBB program. To get the benefits, you must meet the following criteria:
- Federal Lifeline Program
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Survivor Pensions fund
Some criteria refer to your income status
- The income of the household is less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- Receives Federal Pell Grant in the current year.
- Qualified for the free and reduced-price lunch program.
- Experience of any substantial job loss since February 29, 2020, or got furlough notice from the job.
- The yearly income of your household in 2020 should meet the FCC guidelines to apply for EBB. For a single filer, the yearly income should be less than $99,000 and for joint filers, the yearly income should be less than $198,000 in the year 2020.
- Meet the eligibility criteria for low-income or COVID-19 front-liners
Enrollment Process For Cricket Wireless EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) Program?
Cricket Wireless participated in the EBB to assist people with affordable internet who are struggling financially in this situation. Here are some steps that you should follow to enrollment in the Cricket Wireless EBB (emergency broadband benefit) program. These five simple steps will lead you to the benefits. Check below:
STEP 1
Before you begin the process, make sure you can meet the National verifier qualifying criteria.
STEP 2
A Cricket Wireless customer should check eligibility through the National Verifier. You must know if you meet the eligibility criteria to apply for this process. You can easily apply without that much effort just make sure you have put all the information in the national verifier and the information must match while enrolling for the EBB. Apply via online “GetEmergencyBroadband.org” for the Federal Governments’ application and approval process.
STEP 3
Once the National Verifier approves, you will have to complete the Cricket Wireless EBB online form “cricketwireless.com/emergency-broadband-benefit/form” or visit a Cricket-Branded Store.
STEP 4
There are different Cricket Wireless EBB plans. Choose any of them if you want to apply the benefit to an existing eligible plan or change to a different eligible plan.
STEP 5
Once you qualify for the Cricket Wireless EBB program, you will be able to get the benefit of up to a $50 discount from your next monthly bill. ($75 for Tribal land)
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I change my EBB program plan?
If you want to change the program benefit contact the EBB Support center, you can call 833-511-0311. You have another option that is to call the Cricket Customer support representative at 844-246-8364 (Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 9 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 9 PM)
How long will I receive benefits?
According to the FCC, this program is temporary. It will last for at least six months or until the $3.2 billion fund ends. The FCC already announced that EBB will end immediately after the Department of Health Service declares the termination of the Covid-19 emergency. The Government will notify Cricket Wireless and they will notify the customers before when the program ends.
What happens when the Emergency Broadband Program Ends?
The EBB program is temporary, and the Federal Government doesn’t have any fixed Expiration Date. Once the EBB benefit ends, then you will remain in the same plan and the charge will be applicable according to the regular rate for your plan. The charge with taxes and fees will be subject to the Cricket general terms and conditions unless you renew your service or select a different plan. You will be notified by email or text message.
How do I know if the EBB benefit is added to my account?
You will get the notification via text or email after the ending of the Cricket Wireless EBB program. You may also log in at the myCricket.app. If you have any further questions about EBB status or payment, ask for help from a store manager or a customer support agent. The Cricket customer support number is 844-246-8364, you can also visit your nearby Cricket Wireless store.
Final word
Cricket Wireless always aims to provide more convenient facilities to its customers. As always Cricket Wireless has commitments to provide many excellent offers to its existing and new customers. Now Cricket Wireless joins the EBB initiative as a participant provider and is trying to help millions of Americans by providing high-speed data with monthly discounts. So that low-income Americans can cope up with internet-based communication in every aspect of our nation. You can rely on Cricket Wireless for its commitments to offer reliable internet services with friendly customer relationships.
