Low cost internet services help seniors stay connected
The internet is a valuable tool for seniors. It helps them stay connected with family, friends, and community services.
This helps prevent social isolation, which can seriously worsen health.
An internet connection is also needed to use helpful services like tele-health appointments, Amazon Echo, free caption phones, free videos (like exercises to reduce fall risk), on-demand music, streaming movies, and more.
Having internet at home also allows the use of safety services, like fall monitoring, automated temperature control, home security, and more.
But monthly access fees can be expensive.
Fortunately, federal government programs and some internet service providers are helping seniors get online with low-cost services, typically with no monthly contracts and free or low-cost equipment.
We rounded up 7 sources of low-cost internet for seniors. Availability depends on location and financial situation, but these programs are well worth checking into.
7 sources of low cost internet for seniors
1. FCC’s Lifeline program
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet services. Participants in Medicaid, SSI, SNAP, Veterans benefits, and other federal and state assistance programs are eligible.
Eligible customers can get up to $9.25 per month off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services. People living on Tribal lands can get an enhanced discount of up to $34.25. Find out more and sign up
2. Xfinity Internet Essentials
Eligible individuals can get home internet service for $9.95/month, in-home Wifi, option to buy a discounted computer, access to free internet training classes, and access to Xfinity Wifi hotspots. Find out more and apply online
3. Access from AT&T
Access from AT&T provides free or low-cost home internet service to qualifying households. Low-cost access is $30/month or less based on the maximum speed available at the address. Find out more and apply online
4. EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn is an organization that works with a variety of internet service providers to offer low-cost plans. See offers
5. Spectrum Internet Assist
Spectrum Internet Assist offers special rates on internet service and discounts.
To qualify, a household member must be receiving one of these assistance programs: Supplemental Security Income (for applicants age 65+ only), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP. Check availability in your area
6. Google Fiber
In qualifying areas in select locations under the Neighborhood 100 plan, Google Fiber offers high-speed plans for $20/month. Check for availability and find out more
7. Astound Internet First
The Astound Internet First program offers high speed internet service from $9.95/month to qualifying low-income households in serviceable areas. Check for availability and find out more
Recommended for you:
- Financial Help for Seniors: 2,500+ Federal, State, & Private Benefits Programs
- Area Agency on Aging: Local Resources for Seniors
- 6 Affordable Senior Transportation Options
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.
Roger Jones
# 5 has discontined their data sims for internet.
5. FreedomPop
FreedomPop offers free and low cost wireless internet access to households in selected zip codes.
DailyCaring
Thanks for the update!
Program details are always changing, so it’s helpful to check with the provider just in case something has changed recently.
Lina Alford
I live in a rural area with one internet provider. They have gone up in price and another hike is coming.
DailyCaring
So sorry to hear about this 🙁 In case it’s helpful, you may want to check to see if you’re eligible for other benefits programs that could help with expenses — Find Financial Help for Seniors: 2,500+ Federal, State, and Private Benefits Programs https://dailycaring.com/find-financial-help-for-seniors-federal-state-and-private-benefits-programs/
Jeanne mullins
I want to thank you for your reports on free internet I’ve been looking for hours and I think I’ll go with freedompopand I just want to thank you again keep letting people know what news JM
DailyCaring
So glad our article is helpful!
Carol A Phillips
Do you service 890 Hwy 42 Jackson,Ga?we just need internet service and are seniors?
DailyCaring
Each internet company provides different services in different locations and will likely have different program qualifications. It will be best to call internet providers in your area to find out what programs are available.
(DailyCaring is an informational website and email newsletter and doesn’t provide any internet services)
Barbara Frank
Is there an Internet service out there that can help senior citizens that are not on Welfare, SNAP, or Medicaid. We are on fixed incomes and need help too. SS only goes so far. We have mortgages or rent to pay, utilities, other bills to pay and not much left over for food. We like to be connected like everybody else. It seems people on Medicaid, SNAP, etc. get all the help they need, but senior citizens don’t. I don’t qualify for food stamps because I am above the poverty line (gross income). My net income for the year after all expenses on my income tax is a little above $8K. Now, why do they go by gross and not net income? Just venting. Sorry, but true.
DailyCaring
I’m so sorry that these programs haven’t been helpful to you. It’s possible that you’d qualify for other types of benefits programs. There are many that are available from federal, state, county, and nonprofit organizations.
NCOA has created an online tool that helps you find out if you can qualify for any of the 2,000+ programs. Get more info here — Benefits Programs Help Pay for Caregiving Expenses https://dailycaring.com/financial-help-caregiving-expenses/
Ronald Todd
I’m on a fixed income and need WiFi, can you help?
DailyCaring
Each internet company provides different services in different locations and will likely have different program qualifications.
It will be best to call internet providers in your area to find out what programs are available.
(DailyCaring is an informational website and email newsletter and doesn’t provide any internet services)
David Proske
Internet should be available to all US citizens. Make the companies profiting from the internet pay the way. Hope I can submit this, I have no email address. My current access is through my $90 a month wireless cell service.
Karen Mutschler
I live in senior low income HUD Section 8 housing and just received internet essentials for $9.99 monthly. I also have SS Disability with Snap benefits, Medicare & Medicaid and the program is great for me. I also transferred after installation of 2 months prior without issues. I had to call them several times to set the the new installation set up but they did not charge me and I did not have to wait 90 days. I just love it! Thank You Comcast ☺It may work out better to call them as I did. The application did not work for me but their representatives are very helpful and will get you connected!
DailyCaring
Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m so glad this worked out so well.
LINDA COMPTON
WHAT IS THE PHONE NUMBER THAT I CAN CALL TO GET THE SERVICE THAT KAREN GOT FOR $9.99?
DailyCaring
Each internet company provides different services in different locations and will likely have different program qualifications. It will be best to call internet providers in your area to find out what programs are available.
gary cave
i am on SS disability with snap benefit, Medicare. I have prior comcast they with not transfer me to essential or let me apply for it tell I TURN OFF MY INTERNET. IF I TURN OFF THE INTERNET HOW DO I APPLY, I CALL COMCAST ESSENTIAL ALL THEY WOULD SAY IS DON’T TURN YOUR SERVICES OFF. BUT UNLESS I TURN MY SERVICES OFF I CAN’T APPLY THEY WERE NO HELP TO ME AT ALL.
DailyCaring
We’re so sorry that your internet provider hasn’t been helpful. You might consider calling another internet provider in your area to find out if they could be more helpful.
Brenda Gober
I am looking for internet free for senior citizen. I am deaf I live [redacted for privacy]
DailyCaring
In addition to the programs listed in the article above, we found this additional government program that can connect you with free internet – National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/national-deaf-blind-equipment-distribution-program
Carol Lanier
I have submitted my information 4 times to Century link for help because I am 82 and on medicare, medicaid and snap. They have returned it each time saying I have not submitted the information they need to approve my application. I have sent a copy of my drivers license , award letter for medicaid and SNAP , and a copy of my current award letter from Social Security. Also Copies of my SNAP card , Medicaid Card , and drivers license. Also a 6 to 8 page of forms to fill out, to initial and date and for some reason I still don’t seem to give them what they require to approve my application. That has been four months .
DailyCaring
I’m sorry that Century Link hasn’t been helpful. If you haven’t already, perhaps you could call and speak with a representative to find out more about what’s missing from your application or why you might not be eligible for the program.
Or, you may want to contact your local Area Agency on Aging to see if there are other local organizations or programs that could provide help with Internet access. More info on where to find them here — https://dailycaring.com/local-community-resources-for-seniors-and-caregivers-area-agency-on-aging/
Anonymous
centurylink sucks they keep raising the bill limiting the speed and rejecting my application because they are run by morons.
Adela
Ma’am perhaps you should send them the paperwork and have the post office request a signature on whoever receives your letter. That way you have a signature, as proof, of whoever received it.
TA
FLA is right, your title is misleading, if you are not on some kind of assistance program like SNAP none of these programs will do anything for you. These programs are not for seniors.
DailyCaring
Some of these programs are specifically for seniors and others are for all low income individuals. The programs generally have income requirements and some, but not all, require enrollment in SNAP.
Judith Becker
Optimum has a Senior Program and then you find out OH SORRY you need SSI
not SNAP, MEDICARE, MEDICAID….844-358-3147. Instead of trying to help Seniors they are too cheap.
DISGUSTED oh and then I could pay 29.99..I told them they need to rewrite their ad.
DailyCaring
I’m so sorry you had a poor experience with that internet provider 🙁 I hope another company in the area will be able to offer programs that better suit your circumstances.
Yang
They always try to deny you with all kinds reasons.
I do have SSI, Medicare, Medicare savings program. Snap….. They said my qualification was expired with no details explained.
I have suffered Hurricane Harvey, lord knows when I can recover. My internet was $30, and for whatever reasons the service raised to $49 each month. I cant afford it. I need to eat!!!
Everyone wants something from anyone. This is how the humanity works now.
DailyCaring
I’m so sorry you had a poor experience with your internet provider 🙁 You might consider calling back to speak with another representative who might be able to explain why you don’t qualify right now and how you could qualify again in the future (or ask to speak with a supervisor).
Lydia
It’s 2021 and I couldn’t agree more !
R. Raimondi
Comcast says i need to pay a penalty for disconnect and be gone for 90 days to be eligible. what is wrong with this picture? everything.
DailyCaring
I’m so sorry that happened 🙁
Anonymous
Internet essentials program with comcast is non. comcast customers within last 90 days and can’t owe a bill less than a year old to qualify.
DailyCaring
Thanks for sharing the information you received. It’s a helpful reference point, but it’s important to remember that internet providers change their program offerings constantly and offer different services in different geographical areas.
If anyone is interested in a low-cost internet access progam, it’s always worthwhile to call to find out the latest information about program eligibility and details.
Sandra
I have the same question as the person from ‘Fla’, I’m not on Welfare or am a Food Stamp recipient as I ‘make too much money’! However, I only live on my Social Security and it’s very hard to pay all that has to be paid. No raise and if we get a raise, Medicare takes it. I would love to find the person that coined the fraze ‘Life begins at 50’!! He/she must have died 1 second after turning 50!
You do not help Seniors living in a subsidized low income Senior housing units? Something isn’t right.
DailyCaring
DailyCaring is an email newsletter and website that provides helpful information that helps families who are caring for older adults. We don’t provide any services or benefits.
I’m sorry you haven’t been able to find help with internet service costs. Each program has different requirements, so it will be up to each Internet service company to determine the eligibility for their low cost internet service. Since we aren’t affiliated with any of these companies, we don’t have those specific details. It may be worth a try to contact the programs available in your area to find out more in case anything has changed since they put the information on their websites.
You may also want to check to see if you’re eligible for other benefits programs to help with expenses. There’s a handy tool that helps you check, more info here: https://dailycaring.com/financial-help-caregiving-expenses/
Fla
Really for seniors ? There is nothing about income only if you have food stamps or welfare? What about those who do not have that. Comcastanother joke you are not eligible if you have service recently. No one cares about those who need it for income eligibility?? This article is useless.
DailyCaring
I’m sorry you haven’t been able to find the internet service you’re looking for. Each program has different requirements, so it will be up to each company to determine the eligibility for low cost internet service. Since we aren’t affiliated with any of these companies, we don’t have those specific details. It may be worth a try to contact the programs available in your area to find out more.
Rebecca Blankenship
Answer me this>Everybody/thing ‘quotes’ apply online. How is/are we supposed to do that (apply on line) without the resources to do so?
DailyCaring
If you’re able to access the Internet from a free source like the local library or senior center, you should be able to apply online from there. Or, you could call these companies on the telephone — these companies often enroll customers for services through phone conversations.
Deborah. Durham
Go to library for free PC use . There are places that offer computer use. Or have a friend ir family member do it.
Anonymous
Exactly!!! You answered my question……..