Do you qualify for Spectrum’s discounted internet plan? See the details

New Yorkers may qualify for a cheaper version of Spectrum’s Internet Assist program through the state’s Affordable Broadband Act.

The Affordable Broadband Act, which was initially enacted in 2021 but blocked before it could go into effect, is now officially in effect as of Jan. 15, It requires internet service providers in New York to offer high-speed broadband service to qualifying low-income customers at either $15 per month of service of at least 25 megabits per second or $20 per month for high-speed service of at least 200 megabits per second.

Spectrum is offering 50 Mbps for $15 per month for New York customers through their Spectrum Internet Assist program, which typically costs $25 per month..

Here’s what to know about Spectrum’s Internet Assist program.

What’s included in Spectrum Internet Assist?

If you qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist, you’ll receive the following:

50 Mbps high-speed internet
Unlimited mobile line for one year

The plan doesn’t include WiFi but you can add it for an additional $10 per month, according to Spectrum’s website.

Do I qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist at a reduced price?

If you’re a New York resident and you or one or more of the members of your household qualify for one of these programs, you may qualify for 50 Mbps at $15 per month through Spectrum Internet Assist:

Supplemental Security Income
Affordable Benefit from a Utility
National School Lunch Program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption
Disability Rent Increase Exemption

If you receive Supplemental Security Income or an affordable benefit from a utility, you’ll need to submit proof of enrollment. If you receive any of the other programs, you’ll need to provide either proof of enrollment, proof of Lifeline enrollment or proof of program eligibility.

For those providing proof of Lifeline enrollment, you must have enrolled or renewed within the past year to be eligible.

What to know: Do you qualify for NY’s Affordable Broadband Act?

What are the requirements?

National School Lunch Program: You must be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child or children who attends high school or under and meet the income eligibility criteria. For example, a household size of four must make $57,720 or less to qualify.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: You must meet the income eligibility criteria. For example, a household size of four must make $46,800 or less to qualify.

Medicaid: You must meet the income eligibility criteria. For example, a household size of four must make $43,056 or less to qualify.

Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption: You must be 62 years of age or over, have your name on the lease of a rent stabilized/regulated unit or apartment and meet the annual household income requirement of a combined $50,000 or less per year.

Disability Rent Increase Exemption: You must be 18 years of age or older, have your name on the lease of a rent stabilized/regulated unit or apartment and meet the annual household income requirement of a combined $50,000 or less per year.

How do I apply for Spectrum Internet Assist?

Check to see if you qualify for the program by visiting spectrum.net/support/account-and-billing/spectrum-internet-assist-and-internet-advantage-ny and either enroll online or download and print out a form to send in your application by mail.

What to know: AT&T drops broadband service in NY as Affordable Broadband Act goes into effect

Is Spectrum Internet Advantage the same price as Internet Assist program in NY?

According to Spectrum’s website, new and existing customers in New York can pick between Spectrum Internet Assist and Spectrum Internet Advantage. However, the Internet Advantage plan typically costs more as a current offer on the company’s website shows you can receive 100 Mpbs for $30 per month for one year. Spectrum says the retail rate of the program is $50 per month for qualifying New York customers.

Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Do you qualify for Spectrum’s discounted internet plan? See the details