2024 List of Senior Discounts for Internet Service
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April 15, 2024
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Senior Discounts on Internet: Takeaways
- As of 2023, no major internet provider offers a specific discount for seniors.
- Federal programs like the FCC’s Lifeline Program can provide discounts on internet service for those who meet low-income thresholds.
- When using the Lifeline Program, internet can cost as low as $10 per month from providers like Xfinity internet.
Today, about 73 percent of older adults use the internet for entertainment, communication, and financial functions, and it’s clear that the internet has become more necessary than ever. So how can older adults –– who may not be used to budgeting for the internet –– find the best deals, not to mention avoid all the unnecessary add-ons.
In this rundown, I’ll review all the ways older adults can save on internet services.
Discounted Internet for Seniors
| Internet Discounts for Seniors | Starting Price Per Month |
|---|---|
| Xfinity Internet Essentials | $9.95 |
| AT&T Access Program | ~$10 |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | $14.99 |
| CenturyLink Internet Basics | $9.25 of federal monthly support |
| Suddenlink Altice Advantage Program | $14.99 |
| Google Fiber | $15.00 |
| Verizon Lifeline | $19.99 |
| Altice Advantage Internet | $14.99 |
| Internet First | $9.95 (no cost for first 60 days) |
| Frontier Fundamental Internet | $19.99 |
You Should Know: Most discounts for older adults require you to be on some sort of financial assistance program. Therefore, you must always double-check the eligibility requirements before deciding on an internet service provider.
Our Recommendations for Low Cost Senior Internet
The following internet providers are some of our top picks for seniors who are looking for affordable internet.
Can Seniors Get Free Internet?
Unfortunately, free internet for older adults is not usually offered by internet companies. That being said, there are options for older adults to get discounts through internet service providers depending on their financial status. There is also one federal program that offers financial help when it comes to the internet.
FCC Lifeline Program
In 1985, the Federal Communications Commission introduced the FCC Lifeline program to aid in access to phone services. In 2016, the FCC expanded the program to include the internet. Today, this program gives financial assistance to low-income Americans to provide them the opportunities and safety benefits the internet has to offer.
FYI: Internet service providers don’t usually offer senior-specific discounts for the internet. That being said, the FCC Lifeline Program can help those who fall into the low-income category.
FYI: Internet service providers don’t usually offer senior-specific discounts for the internet. That being said, the FCC Lifeline Program can help those who fall into the low-income category.
Discounted Internet Plans for Seniors
Let’s take a look at some of our top discounted Internet plans for seniors.
Or pay $29.95 per month for internet and a free Xfinity Mobile Unlimited line for one year.
Xfinity Internet Essentials
For $9.95 per month, Xfinity Internet Essentials provides those who are eligible with the Internet for an incredibly low price. While the package isn’t specific to seniors, older adults often fall under the qualifications needed to obtain this internet package.
There are four ways to qualify for this inexpensive Internet service:
- Those who qualify for national assistance programs, including but not limited to those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, housing assistance, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
- Those who live in areas where Comcast is available.
- Those who have not had services from Comcast within the past 90 days.
- Those who owe money to Comcast can still qualify if approved by June 2021.
The application process for Xfinity Internet Essentials can be done online or from a mobile phone. Once you apply, you will receive a text message or email letting you know if you’ve been approved. If approved, you will have access to the Internet within five to seven days.
In addition to low costs, the Xfinity Internet Essentials plan doesn’t require activation or equipment rental fees, credit card checks, or long-term contracts. What it does provide is inexpensive in-home internet, access to nationwide Xfinity hotspots, and free internet training and computer classes. This is a bonus for older adults who may not be as internet-savvy as the younger generations. This is just one of the many Internet options provided by Xfinity Internet, so if you don’t qualify for the Internet Essentials program, you may want to consider looking into other packages, which start at $19.99 per month.
AT&T home internet lets you stream, download, and browse with not limits on data and no overage fees.
AT&T Access Program
Access from AT&T is a low-cost internet option for those who can’t afford the internet. Like with the Xfinity Internet Essentials, this isn’t a program designed for seniors. But with more than four million adults 65 and over living under the poverty line, many seniors are eligible for Access from AT&T.
Those who get benefits from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will most likely qualify for Access from AT&T, but you must fill out an online application and get approved to know for sure if you fit into any of the eligibility categories. It’s also important to note if you are on a fixed income through Social Security Benefits, you are not eligible for this affordable internet package.
Now that we have eligibility questions out of the way, let’s get into pricing and features. With Access from AT&T, you can get at-home internet for just $10 or less per month. This comes with free installations, no annual contracts, and no deposit. For a glance at everything, you need to know about AT&T, check out our AT&T Internet for Seniors review.
Free modem and antivirus software with no data caps or long-term contracts.
Spectrum Internet Assist
Spectrum’s Internet Assist program makes it possible for older adults to save money on their Internet service. Adults 65 and older who are on Supplemental Security Income are eligible for this package, which includes high-speed internet at 30 Mbps, no data caps, and no contracts.
While Spectrum is a reasonable option for older adults, you should know it’s not the least expensive in terms of assistance programs, and it costs $14.99 per month. That being said, you do receive a free modem and security suite at that price. And with a 400 percent increase in internet crime among the senior population, having a security system in place is great for older adults.
Another plus to Spectrum Internet is the ability to bundle, which helps save money as well as the fact the company only has between three or four options to pick from. For older adults, who may not be eligible for assistance, but don’t know much about purchasing an internet package, having fewer options can feel less confusing.
Stream HD movies and connect multiple devices to high-speed internet, no annual contracts required.
CenturyLink Internet Basics
While CenturyLink Internet doesn’t have a specific program that offers discounts to older adults, it does have an assistance program called Lifeline that provides affordable internet access for low-income customers. The Standard Lifeline program gives $9.25 of federal monthly support each month to customers for broadband services and $5.25 a month for phone services. The Tribal Lifeline program offers an even larger monthly discount and free installation to people living on federally recognized tribal lands.
Customers must apply online through the United Service Administrative Co. website and remember that the program is available to every household. That means the discount remains the same regardless of the number of broadband accounts within the household.
High-speed internet with no annual contracts or cancellation fees.
Cox Connect2Compete
Cox Connect2Compete offers an affordable internet option for low-income families that costs $9.95 a month. This isn’t a package specific to older adults but is an option for those families who get government assistance and have school-aged children living in the home. Therefore, this could be a good option for older adults who may live with their grandchildren. Because there are no annual contracts required, older adults who are eligible for this plan can cancel at any time.
Cox Internet also has a variety of inexpensive internet packages that are better options for older adults who don’t need packages with all the bells and whistles and who live on their own. One example is Cox Internet Starter 10, which costs $29.99 per month. While that’s not as inexpensive as the Cox Connect2Compete plan, it’s a relatively affordable price for the internet.
Money-Saving Tip: To save even more money, consider looking at bundle options. Providers usually charge less if you get Internet, phone, and cable TV at the same time.
Final Thoughts
While there are a variety of inexpensive internet options, there aren’t any discounts directly aimed towards seniors. And most of the discount options require households or individuals to receive other types of financial assistance. For these reasons, it’s important to look at several different providers and see which one offers the best internet for your budget.
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Does AARP offer internet discounts for seniors?
AARP does not offer internet discounts for seniors. Seniors should look at specific service providers to see what kind of discounts are provided.
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Can older adults get free cell phones?
Older adults can get free cell phones through the Lifeline Assistance program. The program is available in all 50 states and Native American tribal communities.
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What is the cheapest internet service provider for seniors?
The Comcast Internet Essentials offers the best price in terms of the internet for older adults. That being said, it’s important to remember that to benefit Comcast Internet Essentials, you must apply and qualify based on specific criteria.