what to do if i cant pay my spectrum bill?

Disclaimer: The question below was submitted by a reader. Names have been anonymized. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Individual circumstances vary, and readers should contact their service provider directly or consult a qualified professional for advice specific to their situation.

Stephanie, California February 01, 2023

What can I do if im experiencing economic hardship and cant pay my spectrum bill

ConnectCalifornia followed up with Stephanie requesting more information

ConnectCalifornia Expert February 01, 2023

Hi Stephanie, sorry to hear you're going through a tough time. We can definitely point you toward some options. Can you share a bit more about your situation? For example, how long has your bill been overdue, and are you currently receiving any government assistance like unemployment, SNAP, or Medicaid? That will help us figure out which programs you might qualify for.

Stephanie, California February 02, 2023

i lost my job about 2 months ago and im on unemployment now. my bill is already a month late and i dont know what to do. do they have any programs for people like me

ConnectCalifornia Expert February 03, 2023

First, don’t panic - Spectrum won’t cut you off immediately. You typically have about 30 days past your due date before they even start talking about shutoffs, and the full process to disconnection is usually 60-90 days.

In the short term, call them and ask for a one-time extension or a payment arrangement. Explain you’re going through a rough patch. They’d rather work with you than lose a customer entirely.

For longer-term relief, look into their low-income programs. Since you’re on unemployment, you likely qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist at around $17.99/month. That’s a big drop from regular pricing. You might also qualify through other programs if you’ve signed up for SNAP, Medicaid, or other assistance since losing your job.

If things are really tight, you can also check whether you qualify for the Lifeline program, which is a federal benefit that can knock another $9.25 off your monthly bill. It’s designed for exactly this situation.

The main thing is to call them before your service gets shut off. Companies are always more willing to work with you when you’re proactive about it.

Outcome: Resolved

Stephanie called Spectrum and was granted a 30-day extension on her late payment. She also applied for Spectrum Internet Assist using her unemployment documentation and was approved within a week.

Updated February 15, 2023

← Back to Spectrum payment arrangements