Tracfone EBB Program: How to Apply with ACP in 2024
The Tracfone Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program aims to ensure that eligible households have access to affordable internet services during these challenging times.
Navigating the application process can be daunting, but we’re here to help.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, from determining your eligibility to securing your spot in the Tracfone EBB Program.
What is the Tracfone EBB Program?
The Tracfone EBB Program is part of the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit initiative, offering eligible households internet service discounts ($50/monthly or $75/tribal lands) and a one-time $100 discount on a computer or tablet. Tracfone’s participation helps qualified customers access jobs, education, and healthcare during the pandemic.
Discover how this program complements the company’s other initiatives, such as the Tracfone Wireless Free Government Phone, to provide affordable connectivity solutions for everyone.
How to Apply for The Tracfone EBB Program with ACP
Follow these steps to apply for the TracFone EBB Program with ACP:
- Go to the TracFone website.
- Enter your legal information (full legal name, date of birth, social security number, and proof of eligibility for the program) in the fields provided.
- Enter your ZIP Code, phone number, and email address.
- Select either “I have a phone number that I want to use with EBB” or “I need a new phone number for EBB”.
- Wait for a notification in your phone number or email address.
- Choose TracFone as your service provider for the program.
If you are confused about what phone to get through the affordable connectivity program, check out this article on the Best ACP Phone.
Tracfone ACP Program Plans and Pricing
These plans are designed to meet different needs, including data, talk, and text options.
1. Basic ACP Plan
The Basic ACP Plan is perfect for individuals who primarily need access to talk and text services.
This plan includes a set number of minutes and texts per month, as well as a small amount of data for basic internet usage.
It is a budget-friendly option for those who do not require extensive data usage.
2. Standard ACP Plan
The Standard ACP Plan is designed for users who require a balanced mix of talk, text, and data.
This plan offers a higher number of minutes, texts, and data allowance than the Basic ACP Plan, making it suitable for regular internet browsing, social media usage, and other common online activities.
3. Advanced ACP Plan
For those who rely heavily on data for streaming, online gaming, or remote work, the Advanced ACP Plan is the best choice.
This plan offers the highest data allowance among the Tracfone ACP plans, along with a generous number of talk minutes and texts.
It is ideal for individuals who require a robust and high speed internet connection for their daily activities.
4. Additional Services and Add-Ons
In addition to the plans mentioned above, Tracfone also offers various add-ons and services for ACP participants, such as international calling options, extra data packages, and device protection plans.
These options can be added to any ACP plan to customize the user experience according to individual needs and preferences.
5. Plan Pricing and Discounts
Tracfone’s ACP plans are already affordable, but eligible participants can take advantage of additional discounts, making the plans even more budget-friendly.
The actual pricing of the plans may vary depending on the available discounts and any ongoing promotions.
It is essential to visit the Tracfone website or contact their customer support for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Check out this article on ACP Free Laptop if you want a laptop through the affordable connectivity program.
Eligibility Criteria for Emergency Broadband by Tracfone
These are the eligibility criteria for the TracFone EBB Program:
- Must participate in particular assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid).
- Must receive benefits under the reduced-price school lunch or the school breakfast program.
- If you received free/reduced meals through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in 2019 to 2020 or 2020 to 2021, you may qualify for the EBB Program.
- Individuals must have an income below or at 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Individuals must have experienced a substantial decrease in income as a result of job loss or furlough beginning on February 29, 2020, and should have a gross household income of $99,000 or below for single taxpayers or $198,000 for a couple or married joint filers.
- Individuals must qualify for one of the FCC-approved service providers offering pandemic support or low-income services.
Documents Required to Apply for The Tracfone EBB Program
These are the documents required to apply for the TracFone EBB Program:
- Income proof documentation such as tax returns is needed for households with 135% or below total revenue based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Documents verifying membership in Federal Assistance programs such as Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, Public Housing Assistance, or those affiliated with the Veterans and Survivors Pension program for the individuals enrolled.
- Proof of membership, such as a member ID or a letter confirming enrollment in the program for individuals who receive benefits from Tribal Specific Programs, such as Tribal Head Start, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Tribally-administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
- Emancipated minors must be a minimum of 18 years of age and must submit legal court documents or certificates to demonstrate their emancipation status.
- If you have been fired or lost your job, documentation such as termination letters, dissolution papers, or any evidence of your unemployment notice should be submitted as well as documents that detail your overall income, which may include tax returns or other financial records.
How to Transition from Tracfone’s EBB Program to ACP
Follow these Steps to Transition from Tracfone’s EBB Program to ACP:
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Before transitioning, ensure that you still meet the eligibility criteria for the ACP. The eligibility requirements for ACP are similar to the EBB program but may have slight differences. Visit the Tracfone website or contact their customer support to confirm your eligibility.
- Select an ACP Plan: Review the available Tracfone ACP plans and choose one that best suits your needs in terms of talk, text, and data allowances. Consider your usage habits and budget when selecting a plan.
- Contact Tracfone Customer Support: Reach out to Tracfone’s customer support to inform them of your intention to transition from the EBB program to an ACP plan. They will guide you through the process and help you make the necessary changes to your account.
- Submit Required Documentation: You may need to provide updated documentation to verify your eligibility for the ACP. Be prepared to submit any necessary paperwork as requested by Tracfone.
- Complete the Transition: Once your eligibility is confirmed and you have selected an ACP plan, Tracfone will process the transition. Your new plan should take effect shortly, and you can continue enjoying affordable internet services through the ACP.
Benefits of The Tracfone EBB Program
These are the benefits of the Tracfone EBB program:
- The cost of internet services for households that belong to a particular Tribal group decreases by 75%.
- Customers who pay between $10 and $50 towards the original price are eligible to receive a free tablet through the EBB program.
- A single discount is available for buying a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet, which can be as much as $100.
- $50 monthly discount on broadband services.
Factors to Consider Before Enrolling in The Tracfone EBB Program
Here are some factors to consider before enrolling in the Tracfone EBB Program:
- Service coverage.
- Additional costs.
- Eligibility requirements.
- Internet speed.
- Customer support.
- Participating service providers.
- Duration of benefits.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Phone from Tracfone’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
It takes about 5-10 days to get a phone from TracFone’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.
Tracfone Customer Support for Affordable Connectivity Program Participants
Tracfone offers various customer support options for ACP participants, including phone support at 1-800-867-7183, online chat on their website, social media, support forums, and email. Have your account details ready when reaching out for efficient assistance.
FAQs on Tracfone EBB Program
These are the frequently asked questions about the Tracfone EBB program:
Does TracFone offer the EBB program?
All EBB packages offered by TracFone are free.
How does the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program work?
Under the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, eligible households can receive a discount of up to $50 per month for broadband service, while households residing on qualifying Tribal lands can receive a discount of up to $75 per month.
Who is eligible for the Tracfone EBB program?
Individuals whose total household income satisfies the federal poverty guidelines, or any household member receives assistance from a federal program such as SNAP, or Medicaid, among others.
Can I use my own device with Tracfone’s EBB program?
TracFone’s “Bring Your Own Phone” program allows you to use their service on your current phone, provided that your phone is compatible with their network.
What is the coverage area for Tracfone’s EBB program?
Tracfone’s EBB program offers exceptional nationwide coverage that cannot be matched.
How much does Tracfone’s EBB program cost?
Tracfone’s EBB program provides eligible households with a discount of up to $50 per month on internet service and up to $100 towards a device.
What happens if I no longer qualify for the EBB program?
If you no longer qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, you will no longer be entitled to the benefits of the program, including the monthly discount on your internet service bill and the one-time discount on a device.
Conclusion
Tracfone’s EBB program might be the answer if you are finding it hard to pay for dependable internet access. This federal program offers discounts on your monthly bill and a device that you can use with the service, with the aim of making internet access more affordable for low-income households.
The application process for the Tracfone EBB program is straightforward, and once you are approved, you can benefit from staying connected without spending a lot of money.
Therefore, if you are eligible, don’t delay in applying for the program and start taking advantage of the advantages of having affordable internet access.
