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*Price after $10/mo discount (starts within 2 bills) w/ paperless billing & Autopay if enrolled w a debut card or bank account. Discount reduced to $5/mo if enrolled w/ credit card. Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies
Internet for seniors starts at $14.95/mo. from internet service providers (ISPs) like Spectrum and Xfinity.
Low-cost internet for seniors is also available from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon for $20–$45/mo.
Internet for seniors can help reduce monthly bills while keeping connected to loved ones and essential telehealth services.
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Internet companies with senior discounts
Seniors need internet access for everything from telehealth appointments to keeping in touch with family and friends, but high internet prices can make it unaffordable for those living on a fixed income. Fortunately, several companies and government programs offer senior discount internet deals for older adults.
Discover the best providers and plans that offer affordable Wi-Fi in this internet discount guide for seniors.
The best internet for seniors
Get a senior discount on internet plans for qualifying low-income households. Select from one of the following options to learn more about low-cost internet for a senior on Social Security.
Who fits this plan?Xfinity Internet Essentials is high-speed internet for senior citizens searching for the cheapest internet plan. The 75 Mbps plan connects up to five devices and supports streaming, browsing and email. Read our full Xfinity review.
Eligibility: Customers must have proof of participation in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, WIC or other assistance programs (check the full list of eligible programs here). Must not have had Xfinity service in the past 90 days. No credit check required.
Cost: $14.95/mo. for 75 Mbps or $29.95/mo. for 100 Mbps. This no-contract internet plan includes free equipment and free self-installation.
How to apply: Apply online or by calling 1-855-8-INTERNET.
Access from AT&T – $30/mo.
Who fits this plan? AT&T Fiber is best for seniors who want faster internet speeds for streaming, gaming and uploading files. This low-cost plan is good for homes with around 10 connected devices. Read our full AT&T review.
Eligibility: Households taking part in SNAP, SSI (CA residents only) or the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). You can also qualify based on household income. Find full eligibility information here. Recertification of eligibility is required annually.
Cost: $30/mo. for up to 100 Mbps. If the max speed available at your home is under 50 Mbps, you may qualify for a cheaper price.
Eligibility: Participants must be 65 or older and receive Supplemental Security Income.
Cost: $25/mo. for up to 50 Mbps; $30/mo. for up to 100 Mbps. Free modem, parental controls and antivirus protection. No contracts. Add a Wi-Fi router for $10/mo. (or buy your own router).
Who fits this plan? T-Mobile Go5G 55 is different from other senior internet plans because it is a cell phone plan (not home internet) with unlimited data, talk and text. This plan is best for minimal internet use or using internet on the go, as it will not provide Wi-Fi for other devices in your home. Read the full T-Mobile review.
Eligibility: Must be 55 or older.
Cost: $45/mo. for one line, $60/mo. for two lines.
Who fits this plan? Verizon Forward is an internet discount that can be applied to Verizon Fios or Verizon 5G Home Internet, making this plan great for seniors already using Verizon internet or Verizon Wireless. Read our full Verizon Fios review and Verizon 5G Home Internet review.
Eligibility: Households that qualify for Lifeline, SNAP or Medicaid are eligible. Individuals who received a Federal Pell Grant within the last year are also eligible.
Cost: Starting at $20/mo. Bundle your Verizon cell phone with Verizon internet to get a multi-product discount and then apply the Verizon Forward discount for the cheapest rate.
How to apply: Apply online after your Verizon internet service is installed. Ensure that you are eligible before starting service.
Government assistance for internet for senior citizens
Lifeline offers internet or phone subsidies for qualifying households, including seniors. Senior internet discounts include $9.25/mo. off your internet bill by applying for Lifeline.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) previously offered free internet to seniors and low-income households but is now paused indefinitely pending new funding.
Other discount internet for seniors
Not all the best internet plans for seniors include age or income requirements. These cheap plans for seniors are under $60/mo. without any qualifiers. Prepaid internet is another option for seniors seeking a flexible internet plan.
*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
♱Price after $10/mo discount with eligible Autopay & Paperless bill (w/in 2 bills). Monthly State Cost Recovery Charge in TX, OH, NV applies. One time install chrg may apply. See offer details. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds may vary. For more info, go to www.att.com/speed101.
Unfortunately, many scammers use the internet to carry out fraud and phishing attempts, often targeting the older adults. Learn to identify signs of internet scams targeting seniors to help keep yourself safe online.
Common scams often involve someone pretending to be from tech support, reaching out via email, phone call or text. They may ask for personal information or payment, claiming it’s for past tech support or future tech help.
A similar scam will say your computer has a virus or has been hacked, and ask for personal information or login information to help fix it.
Remember: Unless you’ve directly contacted your ISP regarding an issue, an internet provider will not reach out to you proactively about tech support or computer viruses or ask for your passwords. If this happens, it’s a clear sign of a scam, and you should never share any personal details.
What you need to be connected to the internet
Ordering internet service is one thing, but setting up home Wi-Fi is another. Many senior internet plans are self-install, meaning the provider will ship a modem and router to your home with simple instructions, but a professional installer won’t automatically visit.
With cable internet, the modem and router usually come as a single unit, called a gateway, which needs to be plugged into the cable port and an electrical outlet.
5G internet, like T-Mobile, is the easiest “plug and play” option, requiring only an electrical outlet to plug in the gateway.
For fiber internet, a technician is often required to install it due to its more complex setup — it requires an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) instead of a modem, and a router for Wi-Fi signals is still necessary.
Internet for seniors FAQs
Can senior citizens get free internet?
Internet plans for seniors will still have a small monthly fee. However, free Wi-Fi for seniors and others is often available in coffee shops, public libraries and restaurants.
What is the cheapest internet for seniors?
The cheapest internet plans for seniors include Xfinity Internet Essentials for $14.95/mo. or Access from AT&T with a copper phone line connection that starts at $15/mo.
How can seniors reduce their internet bill?
A few ways to save money on internet include lowering your internet speed, removing optional services and using your own modem and router instead of renting equipment.
Does AT&T offer senior discounts for internet?
Yes, Access from AT&T is a discounted internet plan for seniors and other households that qualify based on household income or participation in select government programs.
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Lisa Iscrupe is a senior writer helping readers understand the complexities of broadband, internet and other home services, including energy and renewable products. Her work appears on SaveOnEnergy.com and CNET.com, with national sources such as CNN, The Daily MBA and The Media Bulletin referencing her articles.
Hannah Whatley is an editor who enjoys collaborating with writers to offer readers the most relevant, accurate, and up-to-date information for their home purchases. She has previously edited for The Motley Fool, The Modest Wallet, Grammarly, JoinCake.com and SaveOnEnergy.com, gaining expertise in several industries. Hannah has a B.A. in English from Thomas Edison State University. When she isn’t editing, she enjoys studying linguistics and languages.
