If I can't find a retailer in my area that carries TV converter boxes, can I purchase one online?
To see a list of participating online retailers visit
DTV2009.
Can I use my coupons to purchase any TV converter box?
No. The government will provide a list of coupon-eligible converter boxes and participating retailers
here. You may also ask participating retailers whether TV converter boxes in their stores can be purchased with the $40 government coupon.
Can I use my coupon to purchase other consumer electronics products, such as DVD recorders or televisions?
No. Coupons will be electronically coded to be used only for purchases of coupon-eligible converter boxes.
Can I use my coupon to get $40 off a TV converter box I've already purchased?
No. Coupons must be presented at the point of sale and must be redeemed at the time TV converter boxes are purchased.
What happens to my coupon after I use it?
It is instantly deactivated and cannot be used again. You should keep your receipt and a record of your coupon number in case you decide to exchange or return the converter box.
Can I replace a lost or stolen coupon?
No. Coupons cannot be reissued.
Can I use both coupons toward the purchase of one converter box?
No. Only one coupon can be used per coupon-eligible converter box.
Can coupons be used by other members of a household?
Yes. Coupons can be redeemed by anyone in your household. However, only two coupons can be issued per household regardless of the number of occupants or families.
Can I transfer the coupon to someone else?
No, but anyone from your household can redeem the coupons when purchasing a TV converter box from a certified retailer.
Do the coupons have cash value?
No.
[Coupon Program: Getting a Coupon
When can I apply for my coupons?
You can apply for a coupon between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009,
while supplies last.
How do I request a coupon?
Between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009, you can request a coupon while supplies last in one of four ways:
- Apply online
- Call the Coupon Program 24-hour hotline 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), TTY 1-877-530-2634
- Mail a coupon application to: PO BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000
- Fax a coupon application to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632)
The consumer contact center will operate in six languages in addition to English: French, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese. The contact center will be accessible for hearing-impaired persons through a TTY number. The contact center and website can help answer questions you may have about obtaining and redeeming coupons, checking the status of your coupon request, and other issues.
Are coupon applications available any place else such as the library or grocery store?
NTIA is working with its partners to make applications available in the places where it makes the most sense for each community. The easiest way to apply is to call 1-888-388-2009, or, apply online. If you don't have a computer, your local library probably has computer terminals for public use.
Will retailers make coupon applications available in their stores?
Some retailers may offer coupon application forms at their stores. Retailers, however, cannot provide the coupons; consumers must request them from the Government. The decision to provide applications is up to each retailer. The easiest way to apply is to call 1-888-388-2009, or, apply online.
When will I get my coupons?
Consumers who apply at the beginning or 2008 will receive their coupons when TV converter boxes are expected to be available in retail stores, probably in late February or early March.
What will the TV converter box coupon look like?
Coupons will look like plastic credit cards or gift cards used widely in the retail industry. Unlike gift cards, TV converter box coupons will carry no stored value and can only be used towards the purchase of eligible TV converter boxes.
Are all consumers eligible for the coupon program?
Yes, but supplies are limited. There are 22.25 million coupons available to all U.S. households. Once those coupons have been used, there are an additional 11.25 million coupons available only to households that solely receive their TV broadcasts over-the-air using an antenna. Households with TVs connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service are not eligible for this second batch of coupons. Consumers can apply for coupons until March 31, 2009, or until the funds are exhausted.
How many coupons can I request?
Each household can request a maximum of two coupons. Each coupon may be applied towards the purchase of a single converter box. The coupons can be ordered one at a time or both at the same time.
What information do I need to provide the government to request my coupons?
The TV converter box coupon application requires that you provide your name, household address, number of coupons requested (maximum of two) and whether you subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay television service.
Are nursing homes, group homes and other institutions eligible for coupons?
Applicants must meet the Census definition of a household as consisting of “all persons who currently occupy a house, apartment, mobile home, group of rooms, or single room that is occupied as separate living quarters and has a separate U.S. postal address.” A household is defined as separate living quarters with a separate U.S. Postal address. This definition includes all households located in U.S. Territories, but does not include Post Office Boxes.
Can I apply for someone who is unable to apply for themselves, such as an elderly parent?
Yes, but you will need to use their home address which will be validated for eligibility. Only two coupons can be used per U.S. household address, and the coupons are intended for the resident of that household.
What if I receive my mail at a Post Office Box?
The government can mail coupons to Post Office boxes in areas without home mail delivery. Post Office boxes will be accepted only for households on Indian reservations, Alaskan Native villages and other rural areas. The government may request additional information to validate the physical location of these households.
