The school system has been asked to inform families and employees of a new federal Internet access benefit. The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has announced the availability of a new program to help people stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband services and devices for qualifying households.

Your household qualifies if:

Any member of your household participates in any ONE of these government benefit programs:
Free and Reduced Price School Lunch or Breakfast (2019-20 or 2020-21 school year) - parents can request proof of meal benefits from the SCPPS Child Nutrition Department via email at childnutrition@stcharles.k12.la.us.
Lifeline
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Medicaid
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Pell Grant (current award year)
Your income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines,
Your household experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, and your household income in 2020 was the same or less than $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint filers.
Any member of your household can make your household eligible.

If your household qualifies, you can receive:

Up to a $50 per month discount on your Internet service and associated equipment rentals
A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer where available
Application and enrollment are available now. To apply, or learn more about the program, visit the program website at GetEmergencyBroadband.org.

See attached brochure for additional information from the FCC.

If you need assistance with your application, please contact the Emergency Broadband Support Center at (833) 511-0311.