Have your internet expenses escalated since the shutdown of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)? Many can relate to your struggle, though it’s not half bad for Spectrum Internet customers - they don’t need to look elsewhere for cheap internet service.

Does Spectrum Offer Low-Income Internet

You can get low-income internet from Spectrum with and without financial assistance from government schemes like ACP, and we’ll show you how.

Introducing the Spectrum Internet Assist Program

The Spectrum Internet Assist Program offers internet service to low-income households at a budget-friendly price of $25 per month. Not to mention, you may qualify for an additional discount that reduces the monthly cost to $15 only.

Here’s what you get with Spectrum Assist:

  • Up to 50 Mbps download speeds
  • Internet modem
  • Security suite and parental controls
  • Unlimited data
  • No contract and hidden fees

While the modem is free of charge, you will have to pay an extra $5 per month for Wi-Fi service. You can avoid paying for Wi-Fi by using your own router instead of renting one from the internet service provider (ISP).

How to Qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist?

Since the Spectrum Internet Assist program is intended for low-income households, you need to fulfill certain requirements to qualify. The eligibility criteria differ for New York State residents; hence, there are separate online application forms for NY and non-NY candidates.

Non-NY applicants must be enrolled in at least one of the following government-funded programs:

  • The National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP
  • Supplemental Security Income

NY applicants can apply if they are enrolled in one or more of the following programs:

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Affordable Benefit from a Utility
  • National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid
  • Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)
  • Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)

Applicants who have registered for the Lifeline program (or renewed within the past year) do not need to provide proof of enrollment in NSLP, SNAP, Medicaid, SCRIE, or DRIE.

FYI, people enrolled in the following government-funded programs are not eligible for Spectrum Internet Assist:

  • Social Security Disability (SSD)
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Social Security Retirement and Survivor Benefits

How to Get Lifeline Benefits with Spectrum?

Lifeline is a government assistance program that provides affordable internet and/or phone service to low-income households. Since ACP is no longer operational, internet users with financial constraints can register for Lifeline benefits as an alternative.

Fortunately, Spectrum collaborates with Lifeline, which means the program may partially cover your internet expenses and make the service more affordable for you.

Eligibility criteria for Lifeline with Spectrum:

Other Affordable Internet Options from Spectrum

Spectrum is known for its straightforward pricing and affordable internet plans, which make it an ideal choice for consumers on a budget. Whether or not you qualify for Lifeline or any other government benefits, you can still count on a reasonable price.

The Spectrum Internet Advantage plan offers high-speed internet without any data cap or contract for as low as $30 a month (for 1 year). This budget-friendly internet plan is available to everyone and includes:

  • Up to 100 Mbps download speed
  • Spectrum Mobile service for 1 year
  • Free installation + activation
  • Advanced Wi-Fi equipment for an additional $10 per month

Users who want more in terms of speed may subscribe to SPECTRUM INTERNET® PREMIER, which delivers download speeds up to 500 Mbps for $50 per month (for 1 year). For even higher speeds, consider the SPECTRUM INTERNET® GIG plan that offers speeds up to 1 Gbps for $70 per month (for 1 year).

Save More by Bundling Your Internet Plan with TV and Phone Service

FAQs

Does Spectrum offer free internet to low-income homes?

No, Spectrum does not offer free internet, but you can get cheap internet service by qualifying for the Spectrum Internet Assist Program.

Does Spectrum offer senior discounts?

Spectrum does not offer a specific internet plan for senior citizens, but seniors enrolled in the Supplemental Security Income program are eligible for Spectrum Internet Assist (a low-cost internet plan).