(305 ILCS 23/20)

Sec. 20. Application for financial assistance.

(a) The Department may determine qualifications for broadband Internet provider participation and enter into an agreement with each provider under which the provider agrees to accept vouchers distributed by the Department under this Act as a form of payment for the provider's broadband Internet service.

(b) In coordination with the covered agencies, the Department shall send information regarding the availability of financial assistance under this Act to each eligible family or person receiving the public assistance in Section (d). The information must include:

(1) the name and contact information of each provider who has entered into an agreement with the Department as described in subsection (a) whose broadband Internet service is available in their area; and

(2) instructions for applying to the Department for financial assistance under this Section.

(c) An individual who receives information under subsection (b) may apply for financial assistance under this Section in the manner specified by the Department. Upon receipt of an application, the Department shall determine:

(1) the applicant's eligibility for financial assistance;

(2) the amount of financial assistance for which the applicant is eligible; and

(3) whether the applicant is eligible for a single payment or a recurring payment of financial assistance, based on the Department's assessment of the applicant's need.

(d) An applicant for financial assistance under this Act is automatically eligible for financial assistance under this Act if:

(1) the applicant is receiving, or the applicant's household includes, an individual who is receiving benefits under:

(A) the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program;

(B) the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); or

(C) the Medicaid program; or

(2) the applicant's household includes a child who is eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

(e) If the Department determines under subsection (c) that an individual is eligible for financial assistance, or that the individual is eligible for financial assistance under subsection (d), the Department may provide financial assistance to the individual or to the broadband Internet provider designated by the individual in the form of one or more vouchers, each in an amount of up to $50, that can be used by the individual to pay one or more of the following expenses:

(1) fees charged by a broadband Internet provider for installation, activation, equipment purchase, Wi-Fi extenders, or other one-time expenses of providing broadband Internet service to the individual;

(2) monthly subscription fees charged by a broadband Internet provider for the provision of broadband Internet service to the individual household, including modem, router, or other service or equipment charges; and

(3) overdue amounts owed to provider, including administrative fees and penalties.

A voucher or similar designation of eligibility may be provided by the Department in printed or electronic form.

(f) A provider that receives a voucher under this Section from an individual household who subscribes to the provider's broadband Internet service shall deduct the amount of the voucher from the amount owed by the subscriber for the provider's provision of broadband Internet service to the individual household on a monthly basis.

(g) If the fund does not receive an ongoing appropriation from the General Assembly, the Department shall provide a 90-day notice to participating households and broadband Internet providers that financial support will be discontinued.

(Source: P.A. 102-648, eff. 8-27-21.)