Low-Cost Internet for Seniors

Low-Cost Internet for Seniors

Why is internet access important for seniors?

Senior lifestyles span all activity levels. Some seniors are highly social and physically capable for their whole lives. Others may experience disability or loneliness as their social contacts shrink [1].

Across all lifestyles, seniors need internet access to fully participate in 21st-century life. So much communication now takes place through social media and websites that even in-person activities rely on digital platforms.

There’s a reason we describe people who have internet access as “connected.”

Being able to connect smoothly to most other people and organizations requires being connected to the internet. We now live in a world that is at least half digital [2]. The digital and physical worlds are not separate.

That’s why we put together this guide for people over 65. Low-cost internet for seniors does exist, and we’ll take you through all the options. You can ease your monthly budget with internet discounts for seniors while still getting all the advantages of connectivity.

Smartphone vs. home internet connection

It might be tempting to rely only on a smartphone for internet access. And if that’s all you can afford, that’s certainly a start.

But small cell phone screens are tricky to use compared to a laptop, with its larger monitor and keyboard. And there are some activities such as videoconferencing that are much clunkier with a cell phone than with a tablet or computer.

When you video conference on Zoom with a mobile phone, the size of the screen affects the display. You often can’t see the other participants, or can’t see them all at once.

There are other barriers to the digital world if your only device is a smartphone. Filling out long digital forms, for example, can be difficult or impossible from a phone. So ,if you need to do business or government paperwork online, and you only have a cell phone, you may run into serious frustration.

Smartphones can be too small for some uses

6 top benefits of a home internet connection for seniors

If you’re over 65, having home internet access with a full-sized screen and keyboard can make your life much easier. Here are some of the top ways that the internet can make a difference in a mature lifestyle:

• Staying connected with family and friends through email, social media, video chatting apps and more
• Access to telehealth appointments and managing healthcare needs online
• Online shopping, banking, and accessing government services, allowing seniors to complete tasks and errands from home
• Entertainment through streaming services, games, online classes, and events
• Finding work online if you want to keep working
• Up-to-date access to news, information, and resources relevant to seniors’ interests and needs
• Smart home device connectivity and home safety/monitoring system access

Aging can bring you many advantages, including retirement and more leisure time. But the older you get, the more likely it is that you might find it harder to get around [3].

An internet connection eases the challenging parts of aging in ways that were never possible before.

Group socialization from the comfort of home is transformational not just for seniors but for anyone with mobility or health challenges. Video conferencing or chatting in social media groups give people companionship and support that simply were not possible before the World Wide Web.

Internet connects you to the world

Finding low-cost internet for seniors

If you’re on a fixed income, the average monthly cost of some types of internet may seem too steep.

But there may be cheap internet options for seniors that you don’t know about! We’ll go through some of your potential choices. And you can always enter your zip code to find providers near you.

Government internet programs for seniors

The government offers some programs that help provide low-cost internet access for eligible seniors:

• Currently active – The Lifeline program started in 1985 to help low-income households get access to phone service. Now, Lifeline can support either your phone or your internet plan. You will receive payment assistance of $9.25 per month toward your broadband service if you qualify for the program [4].
• Some local governments and non-profit organizations also have low-cost connectivity programs available for seniors in need. Contact your local social services agency to learn about options in your area.
•  Likely to end soon – The Affordable Connectivity Program launched in late 2021 and offered up to $30/month off internet bills for qualifying lower-income consumers. 1 in every 5 people enrolled in the ACP was a senior citizen over the age of 65. Unfortunately, the ACP will run out of funding in April 2024. We will keep you posted here if more funding is added to the program. But there are still other ways for seniors to get affordable internet, so keep reading!

Check out the Lifeline program

Internet provider discounts for seniors

One of the biggest sources of low-cost internet for seniors comes from the providers themselves.

Many major internet providers do offer senior discounts or packages that some seniors can apply for, including:

AT&T senior discount

AT&T offers the Access From AT&T standard $30/month internet plan for SNAP/SSI recipients [5]. You can also qualify for the program if your total household income is below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. If the internet speed available at your home is 10 Mbps or less, you will qualify for the lower rate Access from AT&T plan, which is only $10/month.

Spectrum senior discount

The Spectrum Internet Assist plan is for qualified lower-income seniors and starts at $17.99/month [6]. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and you are 65+, you qualify. You also may be eligible if you have a child living in your household who is on the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

Optimum senior discount

Optimum Advantage Internet is also for low-income seniors and includes discounted internet packages, free installation, Wi-Fi, and a router [7]. Seniors who receive SSI qualify for this program as well as any household with a child on the NSLP. The plan costs $14.99/month.

Xfinity senior discount

Xfinity has reduced-cost internet service plans for qualifying households through their Internet Essentials program [8]. You will get a plan cost of $9.95/month, once again qualifying either by being 65+ and receiving SSI or having a student in your household on the NSLP.

Astound senior discount

Astound features Internet First, a $10/month internet plan for those eligible for SSI, NSLP, or other public assistance programs [9].

Cox senior discount

Cox’s ConnectAssist program offers home internet service for $30/month for seniors who are receiving SSI, Medicaid, or another public assistance benefit [10].

Be sure to inquire directly with your other local providers about special rates, bundles or concessions offered to senior citizen customers to save money. Mentioning you are on a fixed income may also help secure senior-friendly internet packages and plans.

Understand your speed and data needs

Four tips for finding the best internet plan for seniors

Finding an ideal internet service plan boils down to balancing your connectivity needs and budget. Here are 4 tips for seniors to find affordable internet access:

1. Think about how you use the internet. Are you mainly browsing sites and using email? Do you stream much video content? Your usage will determine your internet speed needs. You don’t want to pay for speed you don’t need. Check out our guide to household data usage and our complete guide to internet speed. Then order the low-tier speed plan if it works for you.
2. Compare bundles vs stand-alone internet plans – Can you bundle in a way to reduce your total bill for internet, cable TV and home phone service? Sometimes, you can save so much on mobile phone costs by bundling with internet that your internet will end up costing very little indeed.
3. Look at all contractual fine print – Watch out for extra fees, data caps, early termination fees and other hidden surprises. See the next section for a list of all the fees you want to avoid.
4. Ask about senior discounts – Specifically request any special rates or packages offered to senior citizen customers when talking to sales reps.

Hidden fees seniors need to watch out for in internet plans

When signing up for home internet services, seniors really need to scrutinize all fine print and ask providers to explain fees that may lurk below the advertised monthly rates. Be wary of:

• Activation/installation fees – Could be a one-time $100 or more just to get connected.
• Equipment rental fees – $10 or more monthly rental costs for modems and routers.
• Data overage charges – Once you pass your monthly data cap, overage fees can run about $10 per 50GB.
• Early termination fees – If you want to cancel service mid-contract, termination fees typically start at $100 or more. Fortunately, most providers no longer require contracts.
• Late payment/reconnection fees – Generally $10 per late payment or to reconnect after past due balance issues.

Ask specifically about each of these cost categories when comparing plans to avoid budget-busting surprises on your first internet bill! Also ask if you can use your own purchased modem/router equipment to eliminate equipment rental fees. Finally, look at contract-free internet providers when possible to avoid early termination fees.

How can seniors get low-cost internet on their phones?

You can access internet services from your smartphone on Wi-Fi networks to avoid data overage charges.

Connect your mobile phone to your home Wi-Fi network using your wireless settings. You will be able to browse, access apps and more without relying on expensive cellular data. If you’ve never connected your phone to Wi-Fi, ask a friend or family member to show you how. It’s very easy once you’ve seen it once.

You can also limit cellular data usage on your phone to mainly just phone calls and text messages. Disable auto photo and video backups over cellular connections. Instead, manually upload those only when connected to Wi-Fi networks.

Also be sure to inquiry about senior mobile phone plans from carriers like AT&T, Verizon, Spectrum, and local providers. These plans offer affordable monthly rates.

Free public Wi-Fi

How to find free internet access: public Wi-Fi

Coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and airports often provide customers with free public Wi-Fi hotspots. Connecting to these public networks with your laptop, tablet or mobile phone allows you to access internet services without using up your cellular data allowance.

Before accessing financial, medical or other sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service to encrypt your connection for greater privacy and security.

In some cities, local governments or non-profits also offer free community Wi-Fi networks installed outdoors in public parks and downtown areas.

If you have to do something online that really needs a computer and keyboard, don’t forget that your public library will offer computer access as well as free Wi-Fi.

How to use the internet for seniors

Learning internet basics helps seniors (or anyone!) benefit from growing connected technologies:

1. To start – make sure you have service from an internet provider, a Wi-Fi router broadcasting signal in your home, and an internet-capable laptop, desktop computer or mobile device. Connect wirelessly or with a direct Ethernet cable.
2. Launch your web browser app (Chrome, Firefox, Safari etc.). Select address box at the top and type in website URL you want to visit. For example, “Google.com" or “Amazon.com." Hit enter to load web pages.
3. Pat attention to internet security. Create secure accounts/usernames using your email address for essential websites like online banking, investment accounts and health portals to manage private data. Set strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication when possible.
4. Use browser bookmarks/favorites features to save links to websites you visit frequently for quick one click access later. Download apps directly to your home screen for fast convenient use of frequently used platforms.
5. Type any question or keywords into Google search bar up top or Google.com to research virtually any topic instantly. Results provide helpful articles, images, videos, and site links related to your searched item.

For more guidance, check out our guide to using the internet for beginners in our resource library.

Internet beginners can stay safe online

How can seniors get on social media?

Are you an internet beginner over 65 who is just getting started with social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and more? Choose one platform to focus on first before expanding to others.

Ask a trusted relative or friend to help download the app to your smartphone, tablet, or computer device. Have them walk through initial app setup with you, creating your user profile and finding some accounts to follow.

Be careful not to share sensitive personal information publicly on social profiles. Choose the strongest privacy settings for accounts when possible.

Instagram allows users to have private accounts visible only to approved followers. Facebook lets you restrict some profile info and any posts to friends only or even custom friend lists if desired.

Post updates, comments, photos, and videos mindfully, without oversharing to broad audiences. Don’t share any information publicly that reveals you are away on vacation, for example.

Follow only close family members and friends until you learn the signs of fake accounts.

Seniors should beware of online scams

Seniors tend to be prime targets for online financial frauds, identity theft and malicious viruses. Here are some tips to help you identify and avoid online scams:

• Watch for suspicious links in emails and texts requesting you click to provide sensitive personal or financial information
• Reject unsolicited contact from strangers asking for money transfers to “claim winnings" or pay non-existent bills
• Use updated antivirus software to detect and block malware lurking on shady websites
• Never pay upfront fees to claim phony sweepstakes prizes or home/auto repairs from unknown parties
• Confirm legitimacy directly before providing info in response to messages claiming to be from government agencies or big companies

Learn more about cybersecurity and online scams in our resource library.

Avoid online scams

How can seniors troubleshoot internet problems

If you experience issues getting online with home internet service as a senior, try these basic troubleshooting tricks before calling your provider:

• First unplug then reconnect your modem and router power cords to reboot devices. Wait two minutes before plugging them back in to allow a system refresh.
• Disable then re-enable Wi-Fi connectivity on your device.
• Check other home devices to confirm if internet itself is down or just your one laptop/phone unable to connect. Try manually selecting and re-entering your correct wireless network name and password.
• Plug your computer directly into the modem with an ethernet cable to bypass any router or Wi-Fi connectivity problems. Toggle Wi-Fi off/on under Settings if you are connecting wirelessly with a smartphone or tablet.
• Clear cached data and browser cookies in Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or whatever internet browser you use. Restart the app or do a full power down and reboot of your internet device afterward. This wipes out corrupt files that may be preventing proper internet access.

If these self-troubleshooting tips don’t help, contact your internet service provider for technical assistance. Write down any error messages you may be seeing to help their tech staff to diagnose and resolve promptly.

Reboot to reset your connection

Other strategies seniors can try to lower internet cost

Beyond checking for senior and government sponsored discounts and provider promos – here are a few other clever ways to score lower internet bills:

• Downgrade internet speeds – Paying for 500 Mbps blazing fast service is overkill for many basic senior needs. Ask for pricing on lower tiers like 100 Mbps or less.
• Negotiate service cancellation retention offers – When calling to cancel, providers often counter with deeply discounted plans to try and retain your business.
• Split costs with a neighbor – Sometimes you can share a connection with nearby neighbors, splitting the monthly bill.
• Suspend service briefly if traveling – Temporarily pause service during extended vacations, family visits etc. when gone for weeks to save charging for unused service.

Carefully monitoring usage, bundling multiple services judiciously, downgrading extras and negotiating the best cheap internet deals helps seniors access essential internet connectivity on tightened budgets.

FAQs: Low Cost Internet for Seniors

What kind of device can get the internet at my house?

You’ll need a modem and router to access the internet at home. Internet providers include equipment rental in plans, or you can purchase your own modem/router. Connect desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones either wirelessly via Wi-Fi or directly to router ports.

Is there free internet for seniors on social security?

Some local governments, non-profits and providers offer specially discounted or free internet programs in certain areas. Unfortunately, it is not common for internet service plans to be completely free. If you are on SSI, however, there are many plans that will be priced as low as $10/month, which would be covered by Lifeline payment assistance.

What’s the best internet for seniors?

Top picks for seniors include AT&T Fiber, Spectrum, Optimum, Frontier Fiber, Verizon Fios, and others detailed in our provider reviews. If you are in a rural areas, Viasat satellite internet may be your best choice. Compare available plans in your local area and check out our individual provider reviews for more information.

Ask your provider for the lowest rates

What is the cheapest internet service for seniors?

If you are a lower-income senior on SSI benefits, there are a number of plans available for $10-15 per month. If you are not low-income, there are some fiber internet packages that cost only $20-30 per month if they are available in your area.

Usually, fiber internet will offer the best deals if you are lucky enough to have multiple ISPs in your area. Cable internet also offers attractive rates, especially with first-year promotions. DSL internet will tend to have the highest prices given the speeds you will get.

What brands offer internet discounts for seniors?

Major internet brands promoting senior discounts include AT&T, Spectrum, Optimum, Xfinity, Astound and Cox. Always inquire directly about special rates for older customers.

Do all seniors get discounts, or only low-income seniors?

All income-eligible seniors can unlock government sponsored affordability programs such as Lifeline.

But all seniors should inquire about general senior rates offered in their area regardless of income. Often, providers will negotiate a rate with you if you ask.

How can I find low-cost internet for seniors on social security near me?

Enter your zip code to find providers near you. You may see some of the national internet providers in this article.

What is the digital divide?

The digital divide refers to the gap between opportunities for people who have home internet and people who do not. Seniors can miss out on telehealth, social life, news, government programs and civic engagement if they lack home internet.

Sources

[1] CDC.gov. “Lonely Older Adults."

[2] PewResearch.org. “The Internet Will Continue to Make Life Better."

[3] National Library of Medicine. NIH.gov. “Disability in the Oldest-old."

[4] FCC.gov. “Lifeline Program for Low Income Consumers."

[5] ATT.com “Access from AT&T."

[6] Spectrum.com. “Spectrum Internet Assist."

[7] Optimum.com. “Optimum Advantage Internet."

[8] Xfinity.com. “Internet Essentials."

[9] InternetFirst.com. “Apply."

[10] Cox.com. “Low-Cost Internet Plans."

Enjoy staying connected