AARP Michigan Launches Pilot to Increase Access to Emergency Broadband Benefit in Detroit

AARP Michigan has launched a pilot project supporting community partners and faith-based organizations to connect Detroiters age 50+ with the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a $50 monthly reduction for the cost of high-speed internet access. The pilot aims to provide paper applications for Detroiters age 50 and over.  The paper applications are an alternative to applying online, especially for those that do not have internet access from their home or due to the pandemic, do not have access to public spaces with internet services such as libraries or community computer labs.  With the support of pilot partners, including The Hannan Foundation, 313 Connect, Detroit Area Agency on Aging, Henry Ford Health, Senior Housing Preservation, and faith-based organizations, applications will be distributed to those age 50 and over.

As of Oct. 10, the FCC  reports fewer than 2.5 million people age 50+ have signed up for the program nationwide since its inception in May. The Emergency Broadband Benefit program is a $3.2 billion federal initiative intended to help lower the cost of high-speed internet for eligible households during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Emergency Broadband Benefit will help older adults in Detroit gain access to the internet, closing the digital divide for this population while increasing access to critical information, key resources, and services,” said Brenda Price, AARP Michigan Associate State Director for Community Outreach.

AARP has long worked for low-cost solutions for older Americans who need high-speed internet access for work, medical and health-related information, news, online healthcare consultations with doctors and nurses, and interacting with loved ones and friends.

Who qualifies? Households are eligible if one member of the household:

• Qualifies for the Lifeline program, including those who receive Medicaid or SNAP benefits
• Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020, and the household income in 2020 was below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating internet service provider's existing low income or COVID-19 program
• Is approved for the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program
• Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

For help to determine eligibility, call 313Connect at 313-241-7618. To apply online, visit GetEmergencyBroadband.org.