Spectrum Internet Assist for Low-Income And Senior

What Is Spectrum Internet Assist Program?

Spectrum Internet Assist for low-income is a high-speed internet option at an affordable price. It is available exclusively to qualified households and with full focus on those with low-income.

Herein, we will provide you with as many details as possible regarding the Spectrum low-income internet. By going through this article you’ll be able to determine whether the Spectrum Internet Assist for low-income households is a good option for you and how to proceed if you are to use their services.

Is Spectrum Internet Assist good?

Like with any other service, you can find many satisfied and also many dissatisfied Spectrum clients. I guess the satisfaction greatly depends on your location and the type of services you go with. However, generally speaking, the Spectrum Internet Assist program offers great value for an extremely low price.

To get 30 Mbps internet speed with no data caps, no contract, and FREE internet modem for $14.99/month is an extremely affordable and generous deal. Right? Sure, there are some extra expenses, if you want to get in-home WiFi, however, you can still have it all for about $20 per month.

That said, the most honest answer is that all that are eligible for Spectrum Internet Assist for low-income, should absolutely consider it and apply as soon as possible.

What Do You Get with Spectrum Internet Assist Program?

This is the section that will help you determine for yourself, whether you feel like the Spectrum low-income internet is a good choice for you. We will answer questions like ‘What features does the program offer?’ and ‘How much does the Spectrum Internet Assist cost?’

Spectrum Internet Assist for Low-Income

Cost of Spectrum Internet Assist for low-income

Spectrum Internet Assist for low-income price: $14.99/month

Spectrum Low Income Internet Benefits

Spectrum Internet Assist provides your household with a reliable, blazing-fast connection to the world of information, education, entertainment, and services that are available online.

With Spectrum Internet Assist, you’ll be able to enjoy:

  • 30 Mbps of Internet speed with NO data caps
  • FREE Internet modem
  • No contracts, ever
  • Add fast in-home WiFi for $5 more a month (Optional)

How do you qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist?

To qualify for the Spectrum Internet Assist for low-income households, one must meet the exact requirements.

To qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, a member of your household must be a recipient of one of the following programs:

  • The National School Lunch Program (NSLP); free or reduced cost lunch
  • The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP
  • Supplemental Security Income (≥ ages 65 only)

Note: The following programs do not meet eligibility requirements: Social Security Disability (SSD), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Social Security Retirement and Survivor Benefits.

Requirements for Low-Income Households

We have listed the requirements in the above section, however, since this is the part that will determine whether or not you get the Spectrum Internet Assist for low-income households, we decided to list them in the separate section again.

Here are the requirements for Spectrum low-income internet:

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)

Requirements for Seniors

Looking at the requirements above, you can see that the third program, Supplemental Security Income is applicable for seniors.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income supplement program funded by general tax revenues (not Social Security taxes):

  • It is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people, who have little or no income; and
  • It provides cash to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

The simplest way to determine if you or any person/household is eligible is to use the screening tool that is available online. Here is the link to the tool: https://ssabest.benefits.gov/.

Once on the site, click the red button that says “Start BEST Questionnaire”.

In case you are not very friendly with online tools, here are the main requirements for seniors:

Citizenship/Residency: One must be a citizen of the United States, a national, or a qualified alien. One must also be a resident of one of the 50 states within the U.S., the Northern Mariana Islands, or the District of Columbia.

Age: The minimum age to collect SSI is 65 unless the individual is officially designated as blind or disabled by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Under these circumstances, there is no minimum age for persons to be eligible.

Disabilities & Health: There are no disability or health requirements to qualify for Supplemental Security Income unless the applicant is under the age of 65. Being blind or disabled supersedes the age requirement of 65 years.

Other Benefits: One must apply for benefits via Social Security, as well as any other available government assistance in which one may possibly be eligible.

Income & Assets: Supplemental Security Income eligibility has both income and asset limits. To be eligible, one’s countable monthly income cannot exceed the benefit amount. As of January 2019, that amount is $771 for an individual and $1,157 for a married couple. Some examples of countable income include employment wages, Social Security benefits, Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, and pension payments.

The countable asset or resource limit has not changed for 2019. An individual’s assets cannot exceed $2,000, and married couples’ assets cannot exceed $3,000. Countable resources include the following:

  • Cash, bank accounts, stocks and saving bonds
  • Personal property, such as gems and collectibles
  • Land on which the owner doesn’t reside
  • Life insurance valued over $1,500 (combined face value)
  • Vehicles (except one)
  • Anything else that can be exchanged for cash

Notable exceptions to countable resources, which means they are not counted towards the asset limit, are:

  • Home and land, if currently lived in
  • Home furnishings
  • One vehicle, if used regularly
  • Personal effects with sentimental value, such as wedding rings
  • Burial funds for the applicant and their spouse (up to $1,500 / person)
  • Burial spaces for the applicant and immediate family

Important: Do not give away assets or sell them under fair market value to meet SSI’s asset limit. Doing so can result in a period of ineligibility for up to 36 months.

Personal Factors Not Affecting Eligibility:

  • One’s marital status does not affect eligibility directly. However, it does so indirectly by increasing the couple’s monthly income limit.
  • Veteran status does not affect eligibility. However, those collecting veterans’ pensions may find themselves ineligible, as their income may exceed the limit for SSI.
  • There are no geographic requirements. However, it should be noted that some states offer additional SSI assistance beyond what is available at a federal level.

How to Apply for the Spectrum Internet Assist Program?

The application process for the Spectrum Internet Assist for low-income is rather simple. It follows 3 simple steps that are presented below. Of course, if you do not meet the qualifying requirements, you cannot obtain the benefits of Spectrum low-income internet.

STEP 1: GATHER ALL YOUR DOCUMENTATION FOR ELIGIBILITY

To qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, a member of your household must be a recipient of one of the following programs:

  • The National School Lunch Program (NSLP); free or reduced cost lunch
  • The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP
  • Supplemental Security Income (≥ ages 65 only)

Note: The following programs do not meet eligibility requirements: Social Security Disability (SSD), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Social Security Retirement and Survivor Benefits.

STEP 2: COMPLETE THE FORM AVAILABLE ONLINE

Visit https://www.spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist, where you can find a link to English and Spanish application form. You will need to download it to your computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone, print it out and fill in the necessary information.

STEP 3: MAIL OR EMAIL YOUR FORM AND REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

  • Apply Directly – Mail option:

Send the filled-out application and required document copies to the address below:

Spectrum Internet Assist Program – OCS, 4145 S. Falkenburg Road, Riverview, Florida 33578

  • Apply Online – Email option:

You may scan and email the above form and required documentation to [email protected]

Note: All documents must be included as email attachments. Acceptable file types for attachments include PDF, Word documents (.doc), JPEG, and PNG.

In you need any help with the application process or have any questions that you’d like to ask the Spectrum directly, feel free to call their support at 1-855-243-8892.

Spectrum Internet Assist for low-income plan

Spectrum offers one single plan as part of Spectrum Internet Assist for low-income.

Here are the plan’s details:

  • Cost: 14.99/month or $19.99/month with WiFi
  • 30 Mbps of Internet speed with NO data caps
  • FREE Internet modem
  • No contracts, ever
  • You can add fast in-home WiFi for $5 more a month (Optional)

Spectrum Other Best Deals with Bundle Offers

In case you are not eligible for the Spectrum Internet Assist for low income, you may want to consider regular Spectrum deals, thus we decided to present you those in this section.

Deals for Individuals:

  • Internet from $49.99/month at 100+ Mbps Speed
  • Internet + TV from 89.98/month imcludes 100+ Mbps Speed and 125+ Channels
  • Internet + TV + Phone from $99.97/month includes 100+ Mbps Speed, 125+ Channels, and unlimited calling
  • Exclusive Mobile Plans for Internet Customers: $45/month; Unlimited data, unlimited talk, and unlimited texts; no added taxes, no extra fees, no contracts
  • Mi Plan Lation (TV + Internet): starting at $69.98/month
  • Spectrum Mi Plan Latino Triple Play (TV + Internet + Phone): starting at $79.97/month

Deals for Small Businesses:

  • Internet from $49.99/month:
    • Speeds starting at 200 Mbps and up to 940 Mbps
    • FREE email, domain name, Security Suite, modem and more ($50 value)
    • No Contracts
    • GET 1 MONTH FREE
    • FREE STANDARD INSTALLATION
  • Business Phone from $19.99/month:
    • FREE unlimited local & long-distance calling
    • FREE 35+ advanced business calling features
    • Taxes and fees included
    • No Contracts
    • GET 1 MONTH FREE
    • FREE STANDARD INSTALLATION
  • TV from $29.99/months:
    • Ideal for lobbies, break rooms and back offices
    • Top news, sports and entertainment packages available
    • No Contracts
    • GET 1 MONTH FREE
    • FREE STANDARD INSTALLATION
  • Mobile from $14/GB:
    • Choose from easy-to-understand data plans that include unlimited talk and text
    • Get the fastest overall speeds and the most reliable network, coast-to-coast
    • No Contracts

Free internet and fee waivers during the new Coronavirus pandemic

To ease the strain in this challenging time, Monday, March 16, through Tuesday, June 30, the Spectrum commits to the following:

They’ve signed the Keep Americans Connected Pledge to make sure you can more easily handle the challenges of working or learning remotely and staying in touch with family and friends. This pledge promises to:

  • Not terminate service for residential or small business customers who are unable to pay due to economic circumstances related to COVID-19.
  • Waive late fees residential or small business customers accumulate due to economic circumstances related to COVID-19.
  • Open up their WiFi hotspots for public use.

Contact Spectrum support to find out if you qualify for COVID-19 payment extensions.

If you want to get Government free internet check out here Get Government Free Internet for low income

Teaching and Learning from Home

In addition, from March 16 through June 30, Spectrum is offering households with teachers, or students in Pre-K to 12 or college, who need remote education, free internet and WiFi at any service level up to 100 Mbps for new customers. To qualify, you must:

  • Have not subscribed to Spectrum internet services within the past 30 days AND
  • Have a student of qualifying age at your service address with remote education needs OR
  • Have a teacher with remote education needs living at the service address.

This discount will be applied as a credit for the first 60 days of your internet services. Spectrum will waive any installation or pre-payment fees to help you get started. Call (855) 243-8892 to sign up for this offer.

What to do if you do not qualify for low-income assistance program?

If you do not qualify for the Spectrum low-income internet, you can consider one of their paid plans, or consider other internet providers. Aside from Spectrum, the most affordable plans in 2020 are offered by AT&T, CenturyLink, COX, Frontier, Verizon, Windstream, and Xfinity.

Moreover, there are alternative free internet methods, which you can explore. Check one of our past articles, where you can find all the details on how to get free internet access. It requires some hustling but it can save you noticeable amounts of money and get you online.

Alternative of Spectrum Internet Assist Program

The best alternative to Spectrum Internet Assist for low-income would be the Lifeline program, which may be offered by many providers or you may explore some other providers’ special offers. Below is a list of the most affordable offers.

  • The Federal Communication Commission’s Lifeline program:

$9.25 discount on internet service through participating ISPs

  • Xfinity’s Internet Essentials program:

$9.95/mo. for up to 25 Mbps

  • Cox Connect2Compete:

$9.95/mo. for up to 15 Mbps

  • AT&T’s Access program:

$10.00/mo. for up to 10 Mbps

  • Mediacom’s Connect2Compete program:

$9.95/mo. for 25 Mbps

  • NetZero dial-up internet:

10 hours of free internet service per month

  • FreedomPop free 4G mobile and home internet:

1 GB of free data per month

How to get Spectrum free internet

As part of the COVID-19 help, Spectrum offers free internet services to households with teachers, or students in Pre-K to 12 or college, who need remote education.

To qualify, you must:

  • Have not subscribed to Spectrum internet services within the past 30 days AND
  • Have a student of qualifying age at your service address with remote education needs OR
  • Have a teacher with remote education needs living at the service address.

This discount will be applied as a credit for the first 60 days of your internet services. Spectrum will waive any installation or pre-payment fees to help you get started. Call (855) 243-8892 to sign up for this offer.

Read more for free WiFi  How to get free WiFi

Spectrum TV

Spectrum TV deals start at $44.99/month and include FREE HD and 200+ channels available, FREE Primetime On Demand, option to download the Spectrum TV App, and watch on your devices.

Spectrum TV can be combined with their Internet services to get special deals and is definitely something work considering.

Read more How To Get Free Satellite TV

Spectrum Voice

Spectrum Voice applies to Spectrum landline phone services. When you order Spectrum Voice service, you get voicemail and 13 other popular calling features at no extra charge. Plus, Spectrum Voice gives you unlimited local and long-distance calling in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, for FREE. 24/7 Voicemail. Caller ID

FAQ

How fast is Spectrum Internet Assist?

30 Mbps.

Can I get the Internet with food stamps?

Food stamp, which is now called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), can get you a Lifeline discount with those providers that take part in the Lifeline Assistance program.

What is the price of Spectrum Internet after 12 months?

Spectrum Internet Assist price does not change after 12 months. As long as you remain eligible, you pay $14.99/month.

Why is Spectrum so slow?

30 Mbps is not slow at all. Of course, the actual speed may be affected by your devices and internet equipment. If you feel like 30 Mbps is not fast enough for you, consider upgrading your plan.

Do you save any money with Spectrum Internet Assist?

Since Spectrum Internet Assist is only $14.99/month, you save $35 or $30 (if you also use the WiFi) compared to regular Spectrum internet deal. This adds up to over $400 in a year, which is already quite a noticeable saving.