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Does Spectrum Offer Low Income Discounts?

Does Spectrum Offer Low Income Discounts?

Spectrum offers low income discounts through their Spectrum Internet Assist program! This program offers high-speed Internet with no data caps for just $17.99 per month!

For this low price, you’ll receive high-speed Internet with speeds of up to 30 Mbps download and 4 Mbps upload! There are no data caps and no contracts required. You’ll also receive a free Internet Modem. For $5 more per month, you can add in-home Wi-Fi!

Who qualifies for Spectrum Internet Assist?

To qualify, you must meet all of these criteria:

  • You must live in an area where Charter Spectrum Internet Assist is available. Click here and enter your zip code to see if service is available in your area! 
  • You must NOT be a current Charter Communications or Spectrum Internet subscriber (or have subscribed within the last 30 days)
  • You must not have any outstanding debt to any Charter Communications company that is less than a year old.
  • You must not have any outstanding debt for previous Spectrum Internet Assist services.

You must also meet ONE of the following criteria:

  • Your household includes at least one child who is enrolled in the free or reduced cost lunch program (National School Lunch Program (NSLP).)
  • You participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP.
  • You are age 65 or older and receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Please note that SSI is different than Social Security Disability (SSD), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Retirement and Survivor Benefits (SSRSB). Only SSI can be used to qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist!

How much is Spectrum Internet Assist?

When I updated this article today, I noticed that Spectrum has conveniently removed any reference to price from their website. I spoke to a Spectrum representative named Charles who told me the service is currently $17.99 per month plus an option $5 per month for in-home WiFi.

What’s the catch? Are there any hidden fees?

Maybe. The fine print says:

*SPECTRUM INTERNET ASSIST: Limited time offer; subject to change; not transferable. Availability of offer based on eligibility and service address…. Install, equipment, taxes, fees and surcharges may be extra; additional services are extra. Equipment, activation and installation fees may apply. VOICE SERVICE: Taxes and fees included in price.”

When I spoke to a Spectrum customer service agent, they repeatedly stressed that this service is much slower in certain areas and completely unavailable in others. Be sure to talk to the customer service agent about what speeds you can expect in your area before you sign up for this service!

How can I sign up?

You can sign up on the Spectrum website.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spectrum Internet Assist

Since Spectrum isn’t very transparent about this program, we get a lot of questions. Browse the FAQ below and let us know in the comments if you have additional questions!

Does Spectrum Internet Assist include WiFi?

No, Spectrum Internet Assist does not include WiFi. You can add WiFi for an extra $5 per month.

What is the speed for Spectrum Internet Assist?

Spectrum currently advertises a speed of up to 30 Mbps for their Internet Assist program. It is worth noting that Comcast’s Internet Essentials program is cheaper and faster.

How much does Spectrum Internet actually cost?

The Spectrum Internet Assist program is currently $17.99 plus $5 for in-home WiFi. The prices are not listed on the Spectrum website. I confirmed this with a Spectrum representative.

How do I get free Internet through my Spectrum Internet Assist?

You can get this internet for free if you apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program. The $30 subsidy will more than offset the cost of the Spectrum Internet Assist plan.

Nicole is the owner and lead researcher for Low Income Relief. She has over 20 years of professional research and writing experience, and she has been solely dedicated to investigating low income topics for the last 10 years. Nicole started Low Income Relief after a personal experience with poverty. When her husband was medically discharged from the US Army, their family experienced tremendous financial hardship. Nicole was able to gather help from multiple community agencies and move into a nearby low income housing unit in just two weeks! Since then, Nicole has been dedicated to helping low income families in crisis. She regularly spends hundreds of hours combing through countless resources to make sure that Low Income Relief has the most comprehensive and complete resource directories on the internet today. Prior to starting Low Income Relief, Nicole worked as a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter and content creator. Her work has been featured in various print and online publications, including USA Today, The Daily Herald, The Chronicle and more. Her work has also been featured by Google for Publishers and other leading industry publications.

peggy

Thursday 30th of March 2023

i am already a spectrum customer, would the discount apply to me ?

Catherine Marucci

Thursday 30th of March 2023

Hi Peggy. Unfortunately, you cannot be a current Charter Communications or Spectrum Internet subscriber.

Gary

Monday 26th of September 2022

Where do I sign up at

Catherine Marucci

Tuesday 27th of September 2022

Hi Gary. You can sign up on the Spectrum website.

Ann

Wednesday 4th of September 2019

I got approve for internet assist. When the store sign me up they charge me regular price 54.98. I kept calling Internet assist at 1-844-525-1574 all they do is escalate my case. This is my third time escalating the case. What should I do ?

Riley Thomson

Thursday 5th of September 2019

Ann, I'm so sorry! Low Income Relief is a website that connects low income families with local resources. If you are having a problem with a company and their services, you will have to contact them directly. I'm sorry for your situation. That sounds frustrating. I hope you get in contact with them soon! -Riley

francine

Thursday 15th of August 2019

I am thinking of getting this service. I have already been pre qualified for internet($14.99)and $5.00 for wifi. What are the addition fee's going to add up to? need to know what my monthly bill will be. And also if i decide I want to cancel are there fees for that?and how much?

Riley Thomson

Thursday 15th of August 2019

Francine, You will have to talk to the company directly to answer your questions. Our website just lists resources for low income families. I hope this helps. -Riley

Janet Hare

Tuesday 18th of June 2019

I'm a current Spectrum customer since last September. I'm also on Social Security, SSA, EBT and Medicaid. I am 73 years old. I get $703a month SS.

I pay $142.65 a month for my tv and internet, which is more than my rent.

But since I AM a current customer, I can't sign up for this? What a crappy way to treat people!

Riley Thomson

Wednesday 19th of June 2019

Janet, That is so frustrating. You should definitely call and share your concerns with them! -Riley