Update: 6/14/2021

Effective June 14 we are currently offering in person case assistance by appointment only. Please note we are not accepting walk in's at this time. All services must be by appointment only to ensure we meeting capacity limits. Classes continue to be offered over the phone, there are no in person classes at this time. For more information on how to participate in telephone classes please call the VISIONS office at 646-486-4444

June 2021

Monthly Schedule of Telephone Classes

FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program

Starting today, May 12, 2021, qualified New York City residents may be eligible to receive a temporary discount for current or new monthly internet service subscriptions.

This discount is available as part of the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), a $3.2 billion dollar short-term emergency subsidy program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funds will be allocated to qualifying households on a first-come, first-serve basis for as long as funds last.

Eligible New York City residents can receive:

• Monthly Benefit: a discount of up to $50/month for broadband service, equipment, and device rentals

• One-time Device Discount: up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of $10 - $50), where available

Below is an eligibility overview:

• Your income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, OR

• 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, OR

• You participate in any ONE of these government benefit programs:

• Lifeline

• Free and Reduced Price School Lunch or Breakfast (2019-20 or 2020-21 school year)

• 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)

Please help share this information with clients and stakeholders. Below are links to guides, brochures, and flyers (all can be downloaded as PDFs)

• FCC Flyer - Short Form

• FCC Flyer - Long form

• Handouts and a fact sheet in: Arabic, Amharic, Burmese, Chinese (Traditional), French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, and Vietnamese

Additional information can be found at:

• Application Portal (FCC) – This is the main application page where households should be directed to check eligibility and apply.

• Program Information (FCC)

• Consumer Frequently Asked Questions (FCC)

To learn more on how to sign up, visit the USAC website or call 833-511-0311.