The current government shutdown is the second-longest in history. While many may not have noticed a change in their everyday lives, there’s a group who definitely has: federal workers.
In general, federal workers operating under the shutdown haven’t been paid. This group, which comprises around 1.4 million people, are often required to continue working with the promise that they will receive back pay once the government opens up again.
However, President Trump recently indicated that not all workers will be getting paid for the time they worked. Given this, many workers are nervous that they won’t be able to pay their bills. Some are already having issues meeting payments. Now, a federal worker is calling out Spectrum after she says companies are not understanding the current situation.
What’s Going On With Spectrum Bill Payments For Federal Workers?
In a video with over 550 thousand views, TikTok user and air traffic controller Ariel (@ariel_bee16) explains that she’s currently calling companies to see if they will assist with bill payments if the government is still shut down by the time their next bill arrives.
Ariel does not currently have an overdue bill. That said, prolonged periods without payment mean that an overdue bill is possible and likely. According to her, Spectrum says they cannot help with that.
“We have internet and TV with them,” Ariel says. “So, they basically told me, ‘Too bad, so sad,’ and ‘Your internet will be shut off if we don’t get payment by this time.”
“So, thank you, Spectrum, for showing me how much you value your federal employees,” she adds, “and you will lose a customer over it.”
What Are Other Companies Doing For Federal Workers?
There are a few programs available for furloughed federal workers or federal workers who haven’t received payment.
As noted by ABC News, furloughed workers can visit the CareerOneStop website to learn more about unemployment benefits available during the shutdown. This site is run by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.
WIRED further states that some banks are offering federal workers 0% interest loans to make ends meet until they are paid again.
However, these alone will likely not be enough to cover all bills. In these cases, experts advise calling each affected account, explaining your situation, and discussing payment options.
Ariel Offers An Update
In a follow-up video, the TikToker says that she contacted Spectrum again. According to Ariel, the support agent said there was nothing that could be done until a bill is past due.
“They said [to] give them a call back whenever my payment is finally past due, and they can get rid of late fees and whatnot,” she states. “So, at least they’re doing something with the late fees.”
Spectrum has a site for affected federal workers. However, Ariel says there are two problems with their use of a verification system.
“They require me to prove that I’m a federal employee by scanning…my federal employment ID, which is actually illegal,” she starts, “or to get a letter from my employer, which—you get that from HR, and HR is furloughed currently.”
Consequently, Ariel says that all she can do is “wait until my bill is past due and go from there, I guess.”
@ariel_bee16 @Spectrum does not care about Federal Employees. As an Air Traffic Controller, we still have to show up but not know when we will be paid next. anyone else having issues with other companies? most are usually helpful.
Commenters Share Their Thoughts
In the comments section, users criticized Spectrum and similar companies for not working with federal employees.
“I’m with Spectrum- they are getting cancelled TODAY!!!” exclaimed a user.
“I wonder how often their CEO needs air traffic controllers,” questioned another.
That said, some commenters claimed that certain companies were able to assist them.
“Freedom Mortgage even though they have low ratings, they did help and deferred my mortgage till Dec & payments to resume in Jan,” said a user.
“Honda financial gave me 2 months of deferred payments,” detailed a second.
BroBible reached out to Spectrum via email and Ariel via TikTok direct message and comment.