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The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

The Nation's Premier Civil and Human Rights Coalition
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights & The Leadership Conference Education Fund
The Nation's Premier Civil and Human Rights Coalition
Digital Television Transition. Get the coupon. Get the right box. Keep your TV.
Digital TV Transition HomeWhat You Can DoFrequently Asked QuestionsOrganizer Toolkit

DTV Converter Box Coupon Program Frequently Asked Questions

A converter box is a small electronic device that plugs into your TV, and, along with your antenna, will keep your TV set working after June 12, 2009. The government has set up a free coupon program to offset the price of the converter boxes. Every U.S. household can request up to two coupons, each worth $40 towards the purchase of an approved converter box.

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How do I get my coupons?

To request coupons for your household, you can:

  • Submit your request online at DTV2009.gov
  • Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009). Please note that the correct number starts with 888, not 800. 
  • TTY users should call 1-877-530-2634
  • Print and complete the request form on DTV2009.gov and mail or fax it in

Are all consumers eligible for the coupon program?

Yes. Every U.S. household is eligible to receive up to two coupons. Supplies are limited, so request your coupons right away.

Can I request my coupons be sent to my P.O. box?

As of October 2008, you can now request that coupons be delivered to a post office box instead of delivered to a home address. When you submit a coupon request, either online, by phone, or by mail, you must provide both the post office box address to which the coupon(s) should be mailed and the actual physical address at which you reside.

Can residents of nursing homes, care facilities, or assisted living facilities apply for coupons?

As of Oct 2008, people who live in a licensed nursing home, intermediate care facility, or assisted living facility, can now apply to receive one coupon. The facility resident should submit the new Application for Nursing Home Residents (pdf), or a family member, friend, or facility administrator may complete and submit the application on behalf of the resident. Facility administrators may apply for coupons on behalf of more than one resident, following the instructions on the application. Nursing home or care facility residents cannot apply by phone or online.

Can I get new coupons if mine are lost or have expired?

As of March 2009, you can apply for replacement coupons if your coupons have expired without being redeemed.

  • If your household has already requested and redeemed two coupons, you will not be able to get additional coupons.
  • If you have redeemed one coupon and the other has expired, you may request only one replacement coupon.
  • If you have lost your coupon and it has not yet expired, you need to wait until it is schedule to expire to apply for a replacement. The expiration date is 90 days after it was mailed.

When I apply for a coupon, who collects my personal information? Is it secure?

Your information is collected by a government agency, not a private company, and will be used only for the purpose of sending your coupons. Your personal information will not be shared with anyone else, and your name won't be added to any mailing lists.

When will I receive my coupon?

You will receive your coupons in the mail a few weeks after submitting your request, along with information about using your coupons and a list of which converter boxes are eligible to be purchased with the coupons. Coupons expire after 90 days, so review your information packet as soon as you receive it. If you have already requested your coupons, you can check the status of your request to find out when your coupons will be mailed.

What will the coupon look like?

The coupons will look like a plastic gift card. They are red and include a serial number and an expiration date on the front.

How do I use my coupon?

The coupons work the same way a gift card does. Each coupon will deduct $40 from the price of one converter box, and you will pay the remaining amount of the purchase price. The $40 coupon is a discount, not a rebate, so it will be subtracted from the price of the box at the time of purchase. You will not be required to complete or send in any additional paperwork to receive the discount.

Where can I use my coupon?

When you receive your coupons in the mail, they will be accompanied by a list of local participating stores, and you can also view a full list of participating retailers online at DTV2009.gov. You can also use your coupons to purchase a converter box by phone or online, through certified retailers. There are currently more than 11,000 stores throughout the country where you can redeem your coupon toward the purchase of a converter box.