How To Get Low-Income Internet Through Spectrum
See if you qualify for Spectrum's low-cost internet
Oct 15, 2024 | Share 
Brand Guides, How-To, Low-Income
Spectrum offers a discounted rate to new customers for 12 to 36 months, depending on the plan. Once the promotional period ends, that $50 plan you signed up for costs $25 more per month, which can be a real eye-opener if you added services like Spectrum TV and Spectrum Mobile when you signed up.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helped reduce the overall cost, but now the program is closed, and the benefits have stopped. Current customers on a super-tight budget may be searching for more affordable options.
Spectrum offers two low-cost plans under the Internet Assist umbrella, but households must meet specific criteria to qualify. We’ll explain what you need to get one of these affordable plans and how to apply for Lifeline, the ACP alternative.
Can you get Spectrum where you live?
Before we move on, enter your zip code below to see if Spectrum offers service in your area.
First, here’s what happened at Spectrum when the ACP ended
April 2024 was the last fully funded month for the ACP. Pre-existing Spectrum customers who enrolled in the ACP received a partial credit of $15 on their May statement—or $35 on Tribal lands.
New customers who signed up through the ACP and elected to keep their service also received these credits. Those who didn’t choose to keep their service saw their Spectrum Internet service disconnected in May.
Starting in June, Spectrum customers will not receive ACP-specific benefits. But don’t worry: Discounts associated with new internet service will still apply until the end of the promotional period (12 or 24 months).
Spectrum customers who cannot afford the standard rate can apply for assistance through the Lifeline program to help lower their monthly costs. They can also submit an online application to get one of two plans for a low monthly rate through the Spectrum Internet Assist program.
What is the Spectrum Internet Assist program?
The Spectrum Internet Assist program isn’t something that sprung up in the wake of the ACP’s demise. It’s been around since 2016, offering a cable internet plan with 50Mbps download speed for a digestible price of $25 per month. You must meet certain criteria and upload documents to be eligible—we’ll talk about that momentarily.
And like any other Spectrum internet plan, the equipment doesn’t cost a thing, whether it’s a modem or gateway. However, WiFi Service costs an extra $5 per month for Internet Assist customers. This fee applies to the Wi-Fi component in the gateway or any router supplied by Spectrum. There is no charge if you use a router purchased through a retailer.
Spectrum launched a second plan in April 2022, offering 100Mbps in download speed. The caveat is that the WiFi Service fee is slightly higher at $7 per month. As with the 50Mbps plan, your household must meet specific criteria to qualify.
Who qualifies for the Spectrum Internet Assist program?
To qualify for the Spectrum Internet Assist program, a member of your household must be the recipient of at least one of three specific government-funded programs. Here are the programs that do and do not qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist:
| Qualifies | Doesn't qualify |
|---|---|
|
|
How do you apply for the Spectrum Internet Assist program?
To apply online, have a copy of the paperwork that verifies your eligibility. This includes documents such as proof of income or participation in a government-funded program. Have these documents ready in JPEG or PDF formats, limited to 3.75MB in size.
Here’s what you need:
- NSLP: Upload a digital copy of the most recent document stating that your child is receiving free or reduced-price lunch as part of the program.
- SSI: Upload a digital copy of your original SSI benefits award letter or a current benefits verification letter with the recipient’s name on it.
To sign up for the Spectrum Internet Assist program, enter the required information and upload your documents using Spectrum’s online application.
Low-cost options from Spectrum
| Package | Price | Speed | Connection type | Order online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internet Assist | $25/mo.* for qualifying households | Up to 50Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | Cable | View Plans for Spectrum |
| Internet Advantage | $30/mo.* for 12 mos. for qualifying households | Up to 100Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | Cable | View Plans for Spectrum |
| Internet Premier w/ Spectrum Advanced | $60/mo.† for 12 mos. | Up to 1,000Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) | Cable, fiber | View Plans for Spectrum |
Data as of 10/15/24. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
* Offer based on eligibility requirements. Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply.
† Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Gig capable modem required for Gig speed. For a list of Gig capable modems, visit spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply.
While we’ve already discussed Internet Assist and Internet Advantage, we wanted to compare them with Spectrum’s cheapest standard internet plan, which doesn’t require a household member to meet certain criteria. It costs roughly $60 for the first 12 months but increases after that.
That said, if you don’t qualify for the Spectrum Internet Assist program and another provider offers service in your area, you may find a more affordable deal.
Spectrum’s other ACP alternative
Spectrum customers affected by the ACP’s demise received an email offering one Spectrum Mobile line included with Internet Premier for 12 months—a $30 per month value.
Do you know what internet providers offer services in your area?
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Other providers with low-income programs
If you don’t qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist and the base Spectrum Internet plan’s standard rate is too expensive, other options may be available. Here are some other internet providers with similar programs:
Additional resources
- Government Programs To Make Internet Service More Affordable
- How To Get Free and Low-Cost Internet
- Best Internet Deals
- Best Internet Plans and Discounts for Seniors
- Best Internet Plans and Discounts for Students
- Best Internet for Veterans and Military Families
- Rural Internet Providers
- The End of the ACP
FAQ about Spectrum’s low-income internet and the ACP
Does Spectrum offer low-cost internet to seniors?
Does Spectrum offer low-cost internet to low-income families?
Does Internet Assist pricing include Spectrum WiFi?
Is the modem also an added fee?
What are the other alternatives to the ACP?
See if is available at your address
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Author - Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.
Editor - Jessica Brooksby
Jessica loves bringing her passion for the written word and her love of tech into one space at HighSpeedInternet.com. She works with the team’s writers to revise strong, user-focused content so every reader can find the tech that works for them. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in English from Utah Valley University and seven years of creative and editorial experience. Outside of work, she spends her time gaming, reading, painting, and buying an excessive amount of Legend of Zelda merchandise.
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