Assistance Programs

Customer Assistance Programs

Watch Communications participates in federal and private assistance programs to help customers better afford their monthly internet bills or purchase devices at a significant discount.

If you are struggling to pay down your current bill, please call Watch Customer Service to discuss options that may be available such as installment plans that can be tailored to your budget.

Lifeline

The Lifeline Program is a federal government program that can help low-income families lower their monthly phone or Internet bills. Eligible customers can receive up to $5.25 toward their bill each month. Lifeline can be used for either phone or internet – but not both.

If a subscriber chooses to use the Lifeline benefit for broadband services, the discount will be $9.25 per month. Learn more here.

Learn more about Lifeline here. You can learn about the eligibility criteria and apply by going to this link.

Watch currently offers Lifeline only in Connect America II Fund areas of Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Call us 1-800-589-3837 to see if you live in an eligible area.

PCs for People: Making Devices Affordable

PCs for People is a nonprofit organization that refurbishes desktop and laptop computers and distributes them to eligible recipients at a discounted price.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

To receive technology from PCs for People, a potential recipient must be below the 200% poverty level or be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program. You can read more about eligibility and about the documentation required by clicking here.

Nonprofit organizations may be eligible for discounted devices. Learn more about that here.

Device Details

The devices are refurbished computers with the Windows 10 operating system and Microsoft Office. A one-year warranty is included.

Processing Customer Computer Orders

Customers will order computers directly from PCs for People via a private portal. But you must first call Watch Communications Customer Service to enroll in this program. Call us at 855-429-1258 to enroll.

Closing the Digital Divide

Closing the digital divide means more than just access to the internet and computers! The PCs for People team is ready to support Watch Communications customers to increase their knowledge and skills to best utilize their new computers.

Watch Communications also partners with Microsoft to expand access to broadband internet through Microsoft’s Airband Initiative. You can build digital skills through their expertise as well. Go here to learn more.

Through PCs for People, you can learn:

General skills: “How do I connect my computer to the internet?”  “How do I open a browser?”  We’ve got you covered! Go here.

Next-level learning: “How can I advance my digital skills to pursue a new career?”  Our Specialists are trained to learn about your career goals and guide you towards relevant courses that are offered for free through Microsoft and LinkedIn, then support you as you complete them. Learn more here.

Or email digitalskills@pcsforpeople.org with questions.