UPDATE: The Emergency Broadband Benefit application process opened May 12. Contact an Internet provider or go online and start the application process today. Learn more below.

Some $3.2 billion in federal funds will soon be up for grabs to help qualifying households with Internet bills or computer needs, and local agencies want to be sure Kansas City families are ready to get assistance.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit program will offer up to $50 a month toward Internet service, and up to $100 in a one-time discount on a laptop, tablet or desktop computer with a co-payment of at least $10.

There are several ways a household can qualify for the benefit. One way is that any household where a child qualifies for free or reduced-price meals at school will qualify for the Internet and computer funds.

The application process for the funds is expected to begin within the next two weeks, in late April or early May. (Updated: Began May 12.)

To apply for the funds, go to: getemergencybroadband.org. Or you can apply directly to an Internet service provider.

The application link will be available at that site when the process opens. Meanwhile, the site provides more detail on what households qualify and what benefits are available and what documents will be required in the application process.

Households can get a head start in the qualifying process by going to the Emergency Broadband Benefit page: Show You Qualify.

That page provides guidance on documents that show if a household meets income requirements. Note that benefits may be available for households that suffered a substantial loss of income during the pandemic with incomes up to $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.

It is important to be ready to apply early.

The Kansas City Coalition of Digital Inclusion and its many partners are working with area Internet service providers to spread the news of the coming benefits and get Kansas Citians prepared to apply because the funds will be limited, and benefits last as long as funds last.

“We recommend signing up as soon as possible once (the Emergency Broadband Benefit) begins,” the coalition’s web site warned.

The Show You Qualify page provides information to submit required qualifying documents either online or by mail.

A household is eligible if one member of the household:

• Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020, and had a total household income in 2020 of less than $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for those filing jointly.

• Qualifies for the FCC’s Lifeline program for low-income consumers.

• Participates in a Lifeline-qualifying program such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, etc.

• Has a household income at or beneath 135% of the federal poverty level.

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.

• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program.