TV Converter Box Coupon Program

Information from the U.S. Department of Commerce/NTIA - Consumer Education & Public Information

While the transition to digital broadcasts by full-power television stations was completed on June 12, 2009, the TV Converter Box Coupon Program will continue through July 31st. NTIA continues to reach out to those who still need help to keep their older analog televisions working. On Wednesday, Nielsen released new ‘readiness’ numbers, providing guidance where those still in need of assistance live. Click here to view those numbers.

Below is information for consumers still needing assistance.

Coupon Availability and Replacement Coupons. Eligible households may continue to apply or re-apply for TV converter box coupons. Applications for coupons are accepted online, by phone at 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009), by mail and by fax. Mailed applications must be post-marked no later than July 31, 2009. Online, phone and fax applications must be submitted by 12 midnight Eastern Time. Remind consumers that it typically takes nine business days to process and mail coupons. Consumers who have applied for coupons, but not yet received them, may check the status of their request on www.DTV2009.gov by selecting Check Your Application Status.

Appeals for Denied Coupon Applications. If consumers apply for coupons through the Web site and the application is denied, there is a link within the denial message to appeal. Appealing via the Web site is the quickest way for the Coupon Program to process and respond to appeals. Consumers may also appeal by clicking here. If consumers wish to provide additional detail beyond the space provided, they may submit their appeal in writing or by e-mail.

Web site and e-mail based appeals are processed in approximately five business days. Paper-based appeals (mail and fax) take 2 to 3 weeks to process. The Coupon Program will accept appeals until July 31, 2009. Please note that if a household has two unredeemed coupons that have not yet expired, or a household has already redeemed two coupons, the appeal will be denied. Mailed appeals must be post-marked no later than July 31, 2009. Online, phone and fax appeals must be submitted by 12 midnight Eastern Time, July 31st. If a consumer’s appeal is approved, the Coupon Program will mail the requested coupon(s) directly to their household, which serves as notification that they appeal was approved. If a consumer’s appeal is denied, the Coupon Program will send the appeal outcome notification to the provided e-mail (if provided) or mailing address (if e-mail address not provided).

Coupons Expiration Date and Online and Phone TV Converter Box Ordering Options. Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. The expiration date is printed on the coupon. Even though the last day to apply for coupons is July 31, 2009, consumers can use their coupons at participating retailers until they expire. Converter boxes can be purchased at most national retail stores and some local retailers. A list of retailers will be included in the envelope containing the coupon. Consumers should call ahead to area retail stores to confirm availability of coupon-eligible converter boxes on the day they plan to shop. To find a participating retailer in their area, consumers can go to www.DTV2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx. Coupon-eligible converter boxes also may be purchased online or by telephone and shipped directly to consumers’ homes.

Two FCC Tips for Better Reception: 1) “Double Re-scan” Converter Boxes and Digital TVs and 2) Double-Check and Relocate Antennas. As TV stations continue making changes to their signals, the FCC is encouraging converter box and digital TV users who still may be having trouble receiving a digital channel to “double re-scan,” which means clearing out the converter box or TV’s memory by unplugging the antenna, re-scanning the device without the antenna attached in order to clear out the memory, unplugging the box or digital TV, reconnecting the antenna to the device and plugging the unit back in, and then re-scanning. Note that “Double Re-Scanning” is a more thorough process than simple “Scanning or Re-scanning.” To receive the most channels, it is important for consumers to have a “VHF/UHF” antenna and to make sure they place it in a location that allows for the best reception. Click here to read the full FCC consumer advisory. For reception or technical problems, call 1-888-225-5322 (1-888-CALL-FCC).