Struggling to pay your internet bill? Good news – help is on the way.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently announced a program to help those struggling to pay for internet amid the pandemic, stating that a household is eligible to receive the benefit if one member of the household received a federal Pell Grant during the current award year, among other possible criteria for eligibility. Under the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, eligible households can receive up to $50 per month to help pay for broadband internet service. Written or electronic confirmation from a student’s school that the individual is a Pell Grant recipient will serve as verification for the program, or a student’s financial aid award letter documenting the amount of their Pell Grant award received for the current year. A copy of a student’s paid invoice that shows the student’s receipt of a Pell Grant during the current award year or a copy of the student’s Student Aid Report will all serve as proper documentation, according to the notice from the FCC.

For details, go to your internet provider’s webpage to see if they are participating in this national program.

Struggling and worried about your next meal? Good news – help is available!

College students are now eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits. In the past, there were several criteria which prevented students from qualifying; due to the pandemic, temporary relief will be offered to students through expanded SNAP eligibility.

To view if you may be eligible, go to the Wisconsin website: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/foodshare/index.htm
To apply, visit: https://access.wisconsin.gov/access/

Hard copy applications can be found here:

Spanish Application ~ https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/f1/f16019bs.pdf
English Application ~ https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/f1/f16019b.pdf