Modern-day technology has penetrated deeply into every aspect of human life. The biggest reason for this influx is the development of the Internet. The Internet has succeeded in reducing the scale of the world over time. Consequently, elders’ access to the Internet is becoming quite important.
The Internet is a popular means of daytime entertainment and family communication for many seniors. In actuality, more than 59% of seniors regularly use the Internet. It offers a world of opportunities. Everything is merely a click or two away, whether you’d like to stay in touch with loved ones, explore a new dish, keep up with the most recent news, or shop ‘until you lose. This comprehensive guide to cheap Internet for seniors will discuss rates, service providers, and advice on getting the best internet package possible. Let’s get to it:
Discounted Internet Access for Seniors
While there is currently no free & fast internet service for seniors, there are certain locations where you can receive a free internet connection. If your loved one likes going on adventures, they might think about using the Internet while traveling:
- In a nearby library
- In a nearby bookshop
- At a nearby cafe
- At a nearby fast-food restaurant
- Several open museums
- A few modes of public transport
- Certain public parks
Naturally, the publicly accessible Internet isn’t always secure. Never view critical information while connecting to the public Internet or use the Internet without a password. The ideal way is to apply for discounted internet packages for secure browsing.
How Can Senior Citizens Get Discounted Internet?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. Link for more information:https://www.fcc.gov/acp
The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program;
- Participates in one of these assistance programs:
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Federal Housing Assistance, including:
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
- Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811
- Public Housing
- Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- WIC
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- or Lifeline;
- Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income based)
Two Steps to Enroll in ACP Program
- Go to AffordableConnectivity.gov to submit an application or print out a mail-in application. Apply Now
- Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.
Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete.
Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.
Budget-Friendly Internet Packages
It’s common to have a limited post-retirement budget. The cost of internet service is a major financial burden for many elderly citizens, particularly veterans, elders with lower incomes, and people with impairments. Nearly 22 million older citizens in the U.S. live without an internet connection. For cheap Internet, there are fortunately a few options.
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.
FAQs
Which Internet Provider Is Best for Seniors?
Is There Cheap Internet for Seniors?
How Do Seniors Get Discounted Internet?
Conclusion
The availability of the Internet for all people is crucial. Having an affordable internet connection for seniors can be quite helpful in getting them out of difficult situations and dealing with emergencies of many types, irrespective of their location or position.
Discounting internet for seniors has thus unquestionably enhanced their mood and proven financially feasible for those with limited resources. Organizations like these that offer internet access are essential to keep seniors connected to the outside world and in touch with others.
