[Last updated July 2, 2025]

An older adult woman sits at a table using a laptop computer.
Many programs and services are available to seniors looking for low-cost internet. Photo Credit: iStock.com/adamkaz

In today’s digital age, internet access is a crucial tool for communication, information, and security. This access offers many benefits for seniors, from strengthening social connections to enhancing safety. Despite the important benefits, cost can often be a barrier. Thankfully, several programs and services bridge this gap by providing low-cost internet for seniors.

Why internet access is vital for seniors

Social benefits: The internet helps seniors stay in touch with family and friends, which can reduce feelings of isolation. Video chatting platforms like Zoom and social media sites like Facebook enable older adults to remain in touch with loved ones all over the world, maintaining emotional well-being and fostering closer relationships.

Cognitive engagement: Reading news and staying informed online can help keep seniors’ minds active and connected to what’s happening in the world.

Safety: The internet supports safety by providing access to home security devices and timely information about weather or emergencies, helping seniors make safer choices.

Discounted home internet service programs

Lifeline: A federal program, Lifeline provides monthly discounts on broadband or phone services to low-income households. Eligibility requirements include having an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or participating in certain federal assistance programs, such as SNAP, SSI, and Medicaid. Interested seniors can apply through the Lifeline National Verifier.

EveryoneOn: EveryoneOn is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide affordable internet services, computers, and training to low-income households. Partnering with various service providers, EveryoneOn connects eligible individuals to low-cost internet services, computers, and digital literacy courses. Eligibility depends on income and other criteria. Apply directly on EveryoneOn’s website.

PCs for People (low-cost internet and devices): PCs for People is a nonprofit organization that bridges the digital divide by providing affordable refurbished computers and internet services to low-income individuals and families. Eligible households can access low-cost refurbished computers and internet services. Computers purchased from PCs for People come with a one-year hardware warranty. They also provide affordable repair and support services for their devices. Customers must be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program or have a household income below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

What happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program?

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024, because additional funding for the program ended. The ACP was a federal program that provided discounted monthly internet service and one-time device discounts to low-income, financially qualifying households. 

Enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program was frozen in February 2024, and the ACP ended in June 2024.

Will the Affordable Connectivity Program come back?

The FCC stated that the ACP has “ended for now.” If Congress funds this program again, discounts like these could return to qualifying households. 

Can I still get internet for free without ACP?

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) stated that “no single alternative exists that would fully replace ACP. Some consumers may qualify for assistance to pay for internet access through other existing programs, including the Lifeline Program, various Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs, and discounted plans from internet providers.”

Whether customers get internet for free depends on their internet service provider’s plan prices and other programs they may be eligible for. While the program was in place, an ACP participant’s discount could bring the cost of their internet to zero dollars a month, depending on the internet service provider’s plan prices. Without the ACP, customers will need to determine a plan with a price they can afford from the providers in their area, and if they qualify for any other programs.

What to do if you were an Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) participant

If you were part of the more than 23 million households enrolled in the program, you may need to take action to maintain internet service. The FCC recommends that Affordable Connectivity Program participants contact their internet service provider and “ask if the internet company has a lower-cost plan and/or low-income program available.” You may be eligible for discounts offered directly through the provider or through programs previously mentioned in this article, like the Lifeline program.

You’ll need to provide certain information to your internet provider to learn the programs available to you. In addition to account and billing information, the FCC stated, “Households may want to discuss whether the household needs internet service to support occasional or frequent teleworkers, whether the household has students doing online schoolwork, and the number of household devices supported by the internet connection.”

Individuals can learn more about how the end of the program may impact their internet service and what to do by referring to the FCC’s ACP and Lifeline FAQs sheet or its ACP information page.

Service providers offering low-cost internet

People may still be able to get internet service for a low cost if they qualify for provider-specific program or other programs that can help offset the monthly cost of their internet. Several internet service providers offer their own assistance programs. Be sure to check with each provider to see if they are available in your area.

Verizon Forward Program (low-cost internet)

The Verizon Forward Program is a discounted service program that offers low-cost internet access to underserved communities.

  • Service: Qualifying individuals can receive internet access for as low as $20 a month. Check with the company to learn their current pricing for this program.
  • Benefits: The Verizon Forward program provides continuous online connectivity with no data caps or annual contracts.
  • Other perks: Discount applies to a variety of home internet plans, including Verizon Fios and 5G Home Internet, helping keep monthly bills low.
  • Qualifications: The program is available to those who have been approved for Lifeline or other government assistance programs like SNAP.

Spectrum Internet Assist (low-cost internet)

Spectrum Internet Assist is an effort by Spectrum to provide high-speed internet to low-income households at an affordable price.

  • Service: The program offers high-speed internet up to 50 Mbps for $25 a month. Some people may be eligible for an even lower rate of $15 a month. Check with the company to learn their current pricing for this program.
  • Benefits: Spectrum Internet Assist provides reliable and fast internet connectivity at a discounted rate for eligible households. There are no annual contracts.
  • Other perks: Free modems and security software are included. Wi-Fi is also available at a reduced cost.
  • Qualifications: People aged 65 and over who receive SSI are eligible. Other households can qualify if they receive assistance from the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).

Access from AT&T (low-cost internet)

Access from AT&T is a program developed by AT&T to offer wired home internet to limited-income households at a discounted price.

  • Service: Access offers internet connectivity of up to 100 Mbps for $30 a month, with faster plans at reduced rates. Check with the company to learn their current pricing for this program.
  • Benefits: The program provides high-speed internet without any annual commitment, deposit, or installation fee.
  • Other perks: Wi-Fi, modems, and routers are included. 
  • Qualifications: Access is available to limited-income households participating in government assistance programs such as SNAP and SSI. You may also qualify based only on income requirements.

Comcast Xfinity Internet Essentials (low-cost internet)

Comcast Xfinity has an initiative to provide affordable internet services to eligible households under their Internet Essentials program.

  • Service: Internet Essentials provides affordable internet services to qualifying households, with plans costing as low as $14.95 a month for 75 Mbps or $29.95 a month for 100 Mbps. Check with the company to learn their current pricing for this program.
  • Benefits: Eligible individuals will receive discounted access to high-speed internet with no installation or equipment fees.
  • Other perks: Internet Essentials offers discounts on laptops and free in-person and online internet training.
  • Qualifications: Eligibility is based on participation in certain public assistance programs such as SNAP, SSI, and Medicaid.

Internet First (low-cost internet)

Internet First is a program designed to give low-income households affordable access to the internet.

  • Service: Internet First offers eligible households internet access at $9.95 a month for up to 50 Mbps or $19.95 a month for 150 Mbps. Higher speeds are also available with discounts. Households must be in a serviceable area, which includes certain areas of California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, and Washington state. Check with the company to learn their current pricing for this program.
  • Benefits: Qualifying households receive smooth and fast discounted internet access with no contracts or installation fees.
  • Other perks: Wi-Fi and a modem are included. The first three months are free.
  • Qualifications: You may qualify if you are a senior aged 62 or older. Other households may qualify if they participate in government assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others. 

Optimum Advantage Internet (low-cost internet)

Optimum Advantage Internet is an initiative by Optimum to provide broadband services to qualifying households at lowered rates.

  • Service: Optimum Advantage Internet offers broadband connectivity at $14.99 a month for up to 50 Mbps for qualified households. Higher speeds are also available (100 Mbps for $25 a month and 300 Mbps for $40 a month). Check with the company to learn their current pricing for this program.
  • Benefits: Qualifying households receive reliable internet services at lowered rates with free installation and no annual contract.
  • Other perks: Wireless routers and access to Optimum WiFi hotspots are included.
  • Qualifications: Seniors, Veterans, and low-income families may qualify. Check with Optimum for specific eligibility requirements.

The internet can offer many benefits to seniors, from staying informed and connecting with others to staying safe. The programs and services mentioned here help make online access more affordable for seniors on limited incomes. These efforts support seniors in enjoying the advantages of the digital world without added financial burden. With the right resources and information, seniors can more easily use the internet to improve their daily lives and stay connected with their communities.