We should get something clear right away; Spectrum does not offer free internet for low-income families. However, they have a special program set I place that focuses on delivering discounted internet to low-income families that are eligible and meet their specific conditions.
Spectrum’s low-income internet program is called Spectrum Internet Assist and is what we will focus on herein. We will do our best to provide you with as many details as possible, which will help you determine whether or not this is a deal you want to pursuit.
Does Spectrum Participate In The Lifeline Program
Yes, Spectrum does participate in the Lifeline program, however, only in two exact areas: California Lifeline Phone Credit and New York Lifeline Phone Credit. When it comes to their other service, including the internet, they do not offer Lifeline discounts.
However, as mention above, they do have a special fast-internet program set in place for low-income families, the Spectrum Internet Assist.
Moreover, you should know that the Lifeline programs monthly discount can be used via National Verifier towards any telecommunication services (wireless mobile, landline, or internet) as long as your household qualifies.
Thus, make sure to apply for the Lifeline assistance and use their $9.25 monthly discount towards your bill.
NOTE: The Lifeline Assistance can only be used for a single service, which means that you can use it either for wireless services, landline services, OR internet service. And since wireless companies offer the best deals, it makes sense not to waste your Lifeline Assistance on internet service.
How To Get Spectrum Internet For Low-income Families
In this section, we will cover all the details of how you can get Spectrum internet for low-income families. After reading the instructions herein, you will be able to apply with ease and obtain your affordable internet services.
Through the Lifeline program
As you may know, if eligible, you can apply for the Lifeline Assistance and use their monthly discount of $9.25 towards your internet bill. The Lifeline assistance is available to a household that qualifies either based on low-income or government-supported program participation.
To apply for the Lifeline assistance, your household must meet one of the following prerequisites:
- Have an income of 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or below;
OR
- Have a member that is a part of one of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands):
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
NOTE: Since Spectrum offers its special low-income internet program, the Spectrum Internet Assist, it does not make sense to waste your Lifeline discount towards their services but rather apply for their program directly.
To apply for the Lifeline Assistance program there are several options, however, by far the simplest and fastest one is to do so online via the National Verifier website. Visit the link below, choose your state, and click the ‘Get Started’ button. Follow the instructions and fill out the application. Also, make sure to submit the scans/photos of all requested documents.
Link of National Verifier website : “nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/lifeline”
Then sign up with the Spectrum and tell them that you’ll be using your Lifeline assistance discount towards your bill.
As mentioned above, the Lifeline program is limited to a single type of services per household, thus it may be smarter to use it on wireless services, which currently offer the best deals for Lifeline qualified households.
Without The Lifeline Program – By Spectrum Discount Offer For Low-income Families
In order to apply for the Spectrum Internet Assist, you need to meet the conditions set in place by Spectrum, which are presented below.
One or more members of your household must be a recipient of one of the following assistance programs:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP
- Supplemental Security Income (for applicants age 65+ only)
NOTE: Programs that do not qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist: Social Security Disability (SSD), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Social Security Retirement and Survivor Benefits are different from Supplemental Security Income and do NOT meet eligibility requirements.
If you believe that you may qualify, visit SpectrumInternetAssist.com and complete the following steps:
- Enter your 5-digit zip code to see if Spectrum Internet Assist is available in your area.
- If available, you will receive direction to call 1-844-525-1574 to start the qualification process.
- If Spectrum Internet Assist is not available in your area, you will receive a coming soon message and to check back for updates.
Spectrum Low-income Families’ Internet Plans
By now you know that Spectrum low-income internet, the Spectrum Internet Assist is set in place for those families/households that meet the criteria presented in the previous section. If you can qualify you will get to enjoy their high-speed internet connection for $14.99 per month.
Spectrum low-income internet gives your household a reliable, blazing-fast connection to the world of information, education, entertainment, and services that are available online. With Spectrum Internet Assist, you’ll enjoy:
- 30 Mbps of Internet speed with NO data caps
- FREE Internet modem
- No contracts, ever
- Add fast in-home WiFi for additional $5/month (optional)
Spectrum’s Other Best Deals With Bundle Offers
Aside from the internet, Spectrum also offers Spectrum TV and Spectrum Voice, which means that you can bundle your internet service with either of those two options or even both and save extra.
Spectrum TV lets you Enjoy more HD channels than any other provider. It includes FREE HD and 200+ channels, FREE Primetime on-demand, and you can also download the Spectrum TV App and watch on your devices. The Spectrum TV starts from $44.99/month when you bundle. Don’t miss your favorite shows and movies with Spectrum TV. Watch live or on-the-go using your devices. Plus, get access to thousands of On Demand options.
Spectrum Voice offers reliable Home Phone Services. It lets you stay connected with unlimited calling to Mexico, Puerto Rico, and more. Spectrum Voice has no contracts, no added taxes, and fees, and no dropped calls. Plus, in the event of an emergency, 911 finds you when you call from your Spectrum home phone. Spectrum Voice plan starts as low as $9.99/month when you bundle. Get a reliable home phone service at an affordable price. Spectrum Voice offers unlimited calling anywhere in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and more.
Does Spectrum Offer Discounts For Seniors, Students And Disabled
Spectrum doesn’t offer specific types of discounts. They offer the Spectrum Internet Assist plan that is available to those meeting specific requirements; one or more members of your household must be a recipient of one of the following assistance programs:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP
- Supplemental Security Income (for applicants age 65+ only)
The first two programs are devoted to students, while the last one focuses on seniors. As such, we could say that they offer discounts for seniors, students, and disabled (older than 65).
Other Way to Get Spectrum Internet for Low-income Families
Unfortunately, there are no other ways to get Spectrum for low-income families, aside from the two options presented above.
What To Do If You Don’t Qualify For The Spectrum Low-income Assistance Program?
If you don’t qualify for the Spectrum Internet Assist program for low-income, you can try to applying for Lifeline assistance and using the monthly discount towards regular Spectrum packages. However, honestly speaking there might be better options, thus it makes sense to check other providers for more affordable options in case you don’t qualify for the Spectrum low-income internet.
Where Can I Get Free Internet?
If you don’t qualify for the Spectrum Internet Assist, do not worry. There are several options out there. Moreover, there are some ways to get access to the internet for free, however, having your own unlimited access will require a monthly plan, and currently, there are no FREE ones available. However, there are several highly discounted/affordable options for you to choose from, which we will look at first.
Below, we will also present you with several ‘hustle’ methods that can help you access the internet without having your own connection.
Discounted Options:
Mediacom
Mediacom participates in the Connect2Compete program, which partners with EveryoneOn to offer inexpensive internet for students eligible for the NSLP. Their program offers a 10 Mbps internet connection and Wi-Fi modem for $9.95 per month. Which makes is a solid alternative to the Spectrum Internet Assist. The speed of Mediacom’s offer can’t compare with the Spectrum High-Speed offer, however, it is $5 cheaper, which is always a plus side.
Comcast Xfinity
Xfinity enables qualifying customers to purchase a plan for just $9.95 per month through their Internet Essential program. This particularly helps students, seniors, and low-income families to access online information and stay connected with their friends and families, perform online tasks, and more.
Xfinity affordable plan of $9.95 per month provides you with 15 Mbps internet and free in-home Wi-Fi. A great thing about their plans, which many find extremely attractive is that it requires no credit check.
Note: Internet Essentials has nothing to do with the Lifeline Assistance program, which makes Xfinity a great option even for those who do not qualify for the Lifeline support.
Cox
Cox offers Low-Cost Internet that is part of the Connect2Compete program. The program is aimed to help K–12 students reach their full potential by providing internet access to low-income families. Low-Cost Internet is available at $9.95 per month. To apply, families must have at least one child in kindergarten or grades 1–12.
AT&T
AT&T has its Access program set in place, which offers up to 10 Mbps internet to eligible low-income families for affordable $10.00 per month. To qualify for this program, customers must have at least one family member participating in the SNAP program.
Verizon
The Lifeline discount of $9.25 will be discounted from their regular prices. Their most affordable plan starts at $39.99/month for up to 200 Mbps (Verizon FIOS).
Free Options:
NetZero
NetZero offers dial-up internet. They provide you with 10 hours of free internet service per month. It may not be a lot, however, if you are fast and use it only to check your emails it may last you through an entire month.
FreedomPop
If available in your area, you get 1GB of data each month for free. It is not a lot, however, it can be enough to used email service, chatting (no voice or video calls), and other low consumption tasks completely for free for the whole month. Use a SIM card in your phone or a hotspot device and connect for free.
FreedomPop was established back in 2012 and has been rewriting the rules of the global telecoms industry since then. Simply visit their official website and enter your ZIP code and address to check if your location qualifies. They also promise fast speeds and no contracts.
Hustle Alternatives:
Herein we will list some options that can get you internet access without you actually owning a connection line. All of these options are 100% legit, however, some may be frowned upon.
- ISP-Provided Wi-Fi Hotspots – ISP-Providers often make their hotspots available for free (at least certain initial time) on public transportation and in public areas.
- Municipal Wi-Fi Hotspots – in many cities or at least parts of the cities there are public Wi-Fi connections available provided by the local government.
- Free Wi-Fi Hotspots in shopping centers/business areas – these days many shopping centers are offering free Wi-Fi. Some are completely unlocked, while others require a passcode, which is normally provided to customers for free.
- Public Libraries – Public libraries are a great place where you can access the internet without having a computer of your own. Simply visit a local public library and get a member’s card (those are usually required). Then use a computer provider there to access the internet.
- Using free mobile data via Hot Spot – if you have an unlimited wireless plan or a decent amount of mobile data, you can easily browse the internet on your phone directly or create a hot spot and connect with your laptop.
- Bars & Restaurants: Free Wi-Fi Access – in 2020 almost every bar and restaurant offers Wi-Fi connection. Some have their networks unlocked, while others provide their customers with an access code. Go for a drink or a meal and connect.
- Available WiFi Signals in your home – this includes local stores, bars, neighbors, etc. Basically, any available Wi-Fi signal in your home. If the network is unlocked you can simply connect, however, if it requires a password to sign in, you will need to locate the owner of the signal and kindly ask if you could get a password to use their network for essential internet tasks.
