Accordingly Pew Research Center polls75% of adults aged 65 and over use the Internet and 64% use their home broadband connection to it. These numbers have steadily increased over the past decade and have become even more apparent since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. I think we’ve all increased our use of FaceTime, Zoom, and other video chat tools over this time.
The need to be online is imperative, but all too often the price of a reliable internet connection can be steep. That’s an increased problem if you’re a fixed-income retiree. How do you find cheap internet deals for seniors? I’m glad you asked. Here are a few ideas to stay connected more cheaply.
Start by looking at government programs
Unlike your local diner, internet provider Don’t really offer senior discounts. But seniors need affordable internet service. There are certainly some ISP-specific offerings worth exploring (and I’ll get to those in a moment), but the best place to start is by taking advantage of federal programs. Two come to mind – one has been around since 1985 and the other is a more recent directive that went into effect in 2022.
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You should start with lifeline, a program that has been around for decades and can help eligible customers with their phone or internet bills. While it’s not specifically geared toward senior citizens, some of its qualifying features — including Medicaid participation, Supplemental Security Income, and Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit — apply to seniors. Lifeline is also geared toward helping low-income households, so retirees with a particularly tight fixed income, including those who are in Federal Public Housing Assistance or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, may also be able to participate.
What do you get if you qualify? Seniors can save up to $9.25 a month on their internet bill, which translates to a total of $111 a year in savings on home connectivity.
Even better, once you qualify for Lifeline, you’re also eligible for the state Affordable connectivity program, a grant from the Federal Communications Commission. Again, this isn’t specifically geared towards seniors, but those eligible for Lifeline support may also qualify for this benefit, which offers a monthly discount on the cost of broadband service.
What’s exciting is that you can use the funds from the ACP for the specific programs we list below and you might find that the cost of your monthly internet bill is completely covered. Another option is to use the ACP to pay for a faster plan so you can better stream your favorite TV shows or connect better to those video chats with your family.
Finally, a note of caution: Beware of the “Senior Deals” pages on some ISP sites. Many are just glorified ads masquerading as helpful tips. Instead of showing you legitimate discounts or revealing special offers, they try to sell you higher speed plans. Be sure to use some discernment when shopping.
Top internet offers and discounts for seniors
Sarah Tew/Reported Medias
price range
10 dollars a month
speed range
50Mbps
highlights
No contract, the first 60 days are free
This affordable internet plan costs $10 per month and offers download speeds of up to 50Mbps. No contracts or credit checks are required. Although not exclusive to seniors, it is open to eligible low-income households and participants in SSI. In addition, Astound offers the first 60 days free of charge.
Sarah Tew/Reported Medias
price range
$30 per month
speed range
100Mbps
highlights
Unlimited data, no contracts, no installation fees, no deposit required
If you receive SSI benefits in California or participate in SNAP in any of the 21 states within AT&T’s service area, you are eligible for this program, which offers download speeds of up to 100 megabits per second for $30 per month or less. You don’t have to worry about installation fees, data caps, contracts or deposits.
Accessed by AT&T
Sarah Tew/Reported Medias
price range
$30 per month
speed range
100Mbps
highlights
No contract, free modem, free WiFi hotspots
Cox has long had a rebate program called Connect2Compete that caters to low- or steady-income families. But in 2021 it introduced ConnectAssist, aimed at low-income households without children. Several of the grant programs — including Veterans Pension, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid — apply to seniors. For $30 a month, eligible households can get a 100Mbps plan — including a free modem and access to 3 million Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. There is a data cap of 1.25 TB per month, but no contract is required.
Cox – ConnectAssist
optimum
price range
$15 per month
speed range
50Mbps
highlights
No contracts, free modem/router, free installation, unlimited data
This program includes eligibility for individuals age 65 and older who receive SSI and US military veterans who receive state or federal assistance. The contract-free internet plan offers download speeds of up to 50 Mbps for $15 per month. It also includes free installation, unlimited data and a free modem/router combo.
Optimal advantage Internet
Sarah Tew/Reported Medias
price range
$25 – $65 per month
speed range
25 – 50 Mbps
Connection
Fixed wifi
highlights
Unlimited data on some plans, small price hike
Sarah Tew/Reported Medias
price range
$15 per month
speed range
30Mbps
highlights
No contracts, free modem, unlimited data
Seniors 65 and older who receive SSI are eligible for this assistance plan. It offers download speeds of up to 30Mbps for $15 per month and includes a free modem, no data caps, and no contracts. Wi-Fi is available for an additional $5 per month.
Spectrum Internet Assist
Sarah Tew/Reported Medias
price range
$10 – $30 per month
speed range
50 – 100 Mbps
highlights
No credit check, free WiFi hotspots
If you’re a senior, on Medicaid or SSI, or on a VA pension, you may be eligible for this internet plan, which offers download speeds of up to 50Mbps for $10 a month. No credit check is required and participants also get free access to Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots. There is also an option to double your speed to 100Mbps for $30 per month with similar terms.
Xfinity – Internet Essentials
Best Internet Deals and Discounts for Seniors FAQs
Can seniors use the internet service for free?
Technically yes, but it takes a few maneuvers. First, you must be eligible for the federal program, lifeline. It’s not explicitly for seniors, but if you participate in Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, you can likely qualify. Once you do this, you are eligible for an FCC subsidy program called the Affordable connectivity program. This would net you $30 a month for your internet service. If your ISP participates in the ACP and offers an internet plan for $30 or less (and many of them do), you can get your internet service for free.
Do cable operators offer discounts for older adults?
No, not specifically. But several cable Internet companies offer discount programs and plans that may apply to seniors. For example, best offers Optimal advantage Internet, a low-cost 50Mbps plan for $15 per month that includes free installation, unlimited data, no contracts, and a Wi-Fi router. Eligibility criteria include veterans receiving state or federal public assistance, or seniors age 65 and older participating in Supplemental Security Income. Amazing Broadband internet first program and spectrum Internet Assist also include the SSI participation qualification. Finally Comcast Xfinity Internet essentials accepts SSI and participation in Medicaid or a VA pension.
Does Xfinity offer discounts for seniors?
Xfinity does not offer a discount that is specifically for seniors. Still Comcast Internet essentials The program for low-income households — with a 50Mbps plan for $10 a month and free access to Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots — includes an entitlement that applies to seniors. Qualifications include participation in Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Housing Assistance and VA Pension.
