What is the Connect-a-Senior program?
As part of the I Did Something Good Today Foundation’s Adopt-a-Grandparent program, the Foundation launched Connect-a-Senior in April 2021. The program supports the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which supplies broadband internet to low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Connect-a-Senior program offers assistance with EBB applications for eligible seniors through our GoldenTALK senior chat line. Seniors can call (888) 60-GOLDEN or (888) 604-6533 to chat with a representative and ask for assistance with the EBB program. If accepted into the EBB program through GoldenTALK, seniors will receive a new Chromebook laptop, free technical assistance, and free device training courtesy of the I Did Something Good Today Foundation.
Sponsors of the Connect-a-Senior program fund the following elements of the program:
- A new Chromebook through participating broadband providers delivered to the senior’s home
- Technical setup for new broadband internet access
- Technical support and device training including but not limited to: internet 101, desktop, laptop, and smartphone training, Zoom web conferences, social media basics, and internet safety
Download the Connect-a-Senior Program Overview for more information on how to apply.
How do seniors apply to the Emergency Broadband Benefit program through Connect-a-Senior?
Seniors can call (888) 60-GOLDEN or (888) 604-6533 to chat with a representative and ask for assistance with the EBB program. Seniors can also make a one-time payment of $85 for a hotspot provided by human-I-T for the device, and the monthly service fee will be waived for the duration of the FCC program. Interested seniors apply via our GoldenTALK chatline. Please note qualifying seniors must meet the following requirements:
- Must be 65 years of age or older
- Must be a recipient of the following Government Assistance Programs (must provide proof):
- SNAP / EBT (CalFresh)
- Medi-Cal / Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- SSDI (Social Security Disability)
- NSLP (National School Lunch Program)
- Public Housing Assistance or Section 8 voucher
- Lifeline
- Cal Grant Financial Aid Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
- Head Start
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Download the Connect-a-Senior Program Overview for more information on how to apply.
How can I become a sponsor?
The Foundation is looking for sponsors to support the Connec-a-Senior program. Donations can be made by submitting a payment via PayPal or a valid credit card on the Connect-a-Senior program’s Benevity page or by texting “CONNECTASENIOR” to 44-321. Follow us on social to keep updated with program announcements!