Best Home Internet Options for Seniors
Reliable internet access can be a lifeline for seniors. It can help them stay in touch with their loved ones, access important healthcare services, and provide engagement and entertainment. Some seniors may feel unsure about new technology. However, internet services and tech have become much easier to use. Installation is simpler, and voice-controlled devices make using the internet more accessible for all.
In 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended. This change impacted over 23 million Americans who depended on it for home internet costs. But seniors can still access affordable home internet through government and low-income assistance programs, as well as by comparing provider options.
In this article, we’ll go over how seniors can access affordable internet and discuss how to find the best home internet for seniors.
Key takeaways
Senior internet discounts and low-income programs can reduce costs to $10–30 per month.
Most seniors need 25-50 Mbps for basic activities, though 100+ Mbps provides better performance for streaming, video calls, and multiple devices.
Choosing between fiber, cable, DSL, and wireless internet depends on availability in your area, budget, and how you plan to use the internet.
Senior internet discounts and affordable programs
There are a number of ways that seniors can get help to pay for home internet services.
Government assistance programs
While ACP has ended, the Lifeline Program is still in effect. The federally funded program provides discounts of up to $9.25 per month on phone and internet service. People can qualify for Lifeline if their income is 135% or less of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines. People can also qualify if they are already part of some government assistance programs. These include:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Medicaid
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
Some states and communities offer government programs to help pay for internet services. Contact your local Area on Aging to see if there is one available in your area.
Provider-specific senior discounts
Some providers, such as AT&T, offer senior plans aimed at customers aged 55 to 65 years and older. These programs often offer bundled savings or cost savings per month with proof of age. However, not all providers list their senior discounts. You may need to call and mention that you’re on a fixed income to see if there is anything that they can offer you. It can be helpful to mention a comparable offer from another provider to see if they can match it.
Low-income internet programs by provider
For seniors with low incomes, some providers offer discount programs.
$9.95/month for up to 100 Mbps internet
Must have at least one K-12 student in the household and participate in a government assistance program.
Internet Essentials (Comcast/Xfinity)
Prices start at $14.95/month for up to 75 Mbps and $29.95/month for up to 100 Mbps.
Need to live in an area where Xfinity service is available.
Need to participate in qualifying assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance, SSI, VA assistance), not be an existing Xfinity customer, and have no outstanding Comcast balance.
Starting at $14.99/month, plus the purchase or rental of a Franklin T10 mobile hotspot
Can qualify if participating in a government assistance program such as SNAP, SSI, or Section 8 housing, or if you have an annual household income within 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Starting at $15/month for up to 100 Mbps internet, including a router
Need to live in an area where Optimum’s service is available.
Can qualify if participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or SSI, or for veterans who receive state or federal public assistance.
$19.95/month for 150 Mbps internet
Must live in a serviceable area and participate in a qualifying public assistance program, such as SNAP, SSI, and Medicaid.
Not valid for people who have subscribed to Astound within 60 days before application.
$25/month for 50 Mbps internet
Participation in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP, or SSI.
$30/month for speeds of up to 100 Mbps
Can qualify based on being a member of certain government assistance programs, including Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and VA Assistance.
Can also qualify based on income (maximum household income of $31,300 for one person and $42,300 for two people).
$30 per month for speeds of up to 200 Mbps
Can qualify if income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, participating in Medicaid, SNAP, NSLP, SSI, FPHA, or receiving Veterans Pension or Survivor benefits.
Up to $20 off Verizon Home Internet.
Can qualify if income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, receiving SNAP, or have received a Federal Pell Grant within a year of application.
New York residents may be eligible for additional discounts through the New York Affordable Broadband Act.
Non-profit and community programs
Some places in the community may offer internet services. Seniors may be able to access free internet at the local library, community center, or senior center. Some libraries also offer free hotspot lending programs. At home, non-profit organizations and municipal broadband programs may offer support. Some non-profit programs that help with home internet for seniors include:
PCs for People: Offers affordable computers and internet starting at $15 per month for individuals, families, and nonprofits. The maximum income for a single family member is $31,300, and $42,300 for a family of two.
EveryoneOn: Helps people find low-cost computers and internet in their area. Users can enter their ZIP code to find offers.
Top internet providers and senior-friendly features
In this section, we’ll go over the best internet providers for seniors that offer affordable internet and features designed for easy use.
AT&T
Fiber ability
Strong customer service
Wide range of plans with coverage in 21 states
55+ plan, which bundles two lines of unlimited wireless and home internet for $99 per month
Comcast Xfinity
Number of speed options and bundles.
Offers NOW Internet, a prepaid internet option with no annual contracts or credit checks that start at $30 per month.
Can be paired with cable TV and home phone line for additional savings.
Spectrum
Plans start at $30/month.
Free modem and antivirus software with no data caps or contracts.
Widespread availability across 41 states.
30-day money-back guarantee
TV and internet services can be bundled for additional savings.
T-Mobile
Plans start at $30/month when combined with any 55+ T-Mobile phone plan.
Wireless options
No monthly or annual contracts.
Verizon Fios
Plans start at $35/month
Good fiber reliability
Straightforward pricing
Additional discounts for autopay and paper-free billing
Some regional providers may also offer senior citizen internet deals.
Choosing the right internet plan
When choosing internet service for older adults, it’s important to assess your internet usage needs, determine the appropriate speed, and consider your budget.
Assessing your internet usage needs
Knowing how often you use the internet can help you determine your needs. This includes thinking about how often you use the internet and what activities you do online. For example, streaming and video calls require more bandwidth than email. You’ll also want to think about the number of devices and whether anyone else in your household will be using the internet.
Finally, think about future needs and growing usage patterns. For example, if you’re currently working from home, you might need high-speed internet for frequent video meetings. But your internet usage needs might decrease after you retire. Or, you might be using cable television right now but plan to switch to streaming services, which would increase your need for high-speed internet.
Determining appropriate speed
When deciding on what speed to use, it’s best to start with a conservative estimate, knowing that you can upgrade later if needed. This helps prevent you from having to pay for speed that you aren’t using. However, you’ll want to check that you are getting the speed that you are paying for. Run an internet speed test after installation to check that you’re receiving the speed that you agreed to.
| Activity | Recommended Speed |
|---|---|
| E-mail and web browsing | 10-25 Mbps |
| Video calls & telehealth services | 25-50 Mbps |
| HD video streaming | 50-100 Mbps |
| 4K streaming or multiple users | 100+ Mbps |
Budget considerations
It’s important to set a realistic monthly budget for your home internet. When budgeting, think about any extra costs beyond monthly fees. For example, some internet providers charge extra for installation and activation and require you to buy or rent equipment. Some providers also have promotional periods that offer you lower fees when you first sign up, but these monthly fees increase once the promotional period has ended.
Many seniors prefer non-contract options for home internet. While they can be a bit more expensive, there are no cancellation fees, and they allow you to cancel plans if your living situation changes. Prioritizing reliability is also important to ensure that you’re getting good service for what you’re paying. Because coverage can vary by area, it can be helpful to ask your neighbors what internet provider they use and if they’re happy with the speed and reliability.
Bottom line
Home internet is an important way for seniors to stay connected. But, for those on fixed incomes, high-speed home internet can be expensive. Seniors with low incomes may qualify for government or provider programs. For seniors who don’t qualify, many providers offer senior internet discounts that can help make home internet accessible and affordable.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best internet provider for seniors?
The best provider depends on location. Generally, AT&T, Xfinity, and Verizon offer good senior options with reliable service and customer support.
How much does the internet cost for seniors per month?
Costs range from $10 to $30 with assistance programs and from $30 to $100 for standard plans. Senior discounts can reduce costs by $10 to $20 monthly.
Do seniors get discounts on internet service?
Yes, many providers give senior discounts for those aged 55 and up. Also, government programs like Lifeline can help low-income households pay for the internet.
Sources
Supan, J. (2024, September 5). The harsh reality for the 23 million Americans hit by the end of ACP support. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/the-harsh-reality-for-the-23-million-americans-hit-by-the-end-of-acp-support/