Five Ways to Know if You Qualify for Low Income Cable
1. Utilize the Lifeline Government Assistance Program
Lifeline is a government-subsidized program from the FCC to help make cable TV plans more accessible and affordable to low income Americans during the coronavirus pandemic. If you participate in federal assistance programs or your household income is less than 1.35 times the national poverty line, you may be eligible to receive a $9.25 discount on monthly cable bills. Currently being rolled out, you can click here to check if your state is now implementing the system and how to apply.
2. Families with young children may be eligible for further discounts
Families with children enrolled in K-12 education may be eligible for discounted cable TV pricing. If children in your household qualify for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), numerous low income cable tv providers can provide more affordable cable TV bundles. As long as your household has no outstanding debt on current cable TV plans, it is relatively simple to reach out to your internet service provider and inquire about the service. For example, you can apply with Comcast here.
3. Seniors with Supplementary Security Income (SSI) may apply for Spectrum Internet Assist
Spectrum Internet currently offers individuals older than 65 years old high-speed internet at an affordable price as long as they're receiving Supplemental Security Income. Unique from other low income cable TV plans, Spectrum Internet Assist offers premium features such as a free internet modem, high-speed internet at 35 Mbps, no data caps, and no contracts. Furthermore, individuals can opt-in for optional in-home wifi service for $5 extra. Though this offer is only available to those not currently subscribed to Spectrum, this option provides fast internet at good value. Find out more here.
4. Spectrum is offering free high-speed internet for new college-student subscribers
Of all the cable TV bundles on this list, this may be the most valuable: new collegiate subscribers to Spectrum will receive 60 days of blazing-fast 100 Mbps internet. Furthermore, Spectrum is waiving installation fees; call 1-844-488-8395 to enroll.
5. Military veterans receive internet for as little as $10 a month
Veterans receiving a supplementary income through the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit can receive special access to $10 a month cable TV pricing. Though started by Comcast, low income cable TV providers like Xfinity, RCN, Windstream, and Frontier have also begun offering veterans discounts. These companies provide internet ranging between 4 and 15 Mbps for approximately $10 a month except for RCN, which provides 50 Mbps speeds at $20. Access to these discounts is simple: reach out to any of these providers by phone or website.
