Guide for Seniors: Programs for Low-Cost Internet, Mobile Plans and Digital Literacy

Find internet service providers, phone carriers and organizations that help seniors get low-cost internet, cell phone plans and help with digital literacy.

• The FCC’s Lifeline Program provides monthly discounts on either internet or telephone plans for qualifying seniors.
• Seniors can get discounted mobile plans and cell phones from many of the nation’s top mobile carriers.
• Several organizations are dedicated to providing seniors with discounted or free digital devices and digital literacy classes.

Social media, video calls and texting have become the norm for staying connected with our loved ones. With these shifts in communication, seniors are at risk of being left out of the conversation, as fixed-income budgets limit their ability to access the newest and fastest internet and mobile plans. Learning to use new technology can also be daunting and frustrating for the first-time senior user.

With that in mind, we put together this guide to walk you through the available plans and programs to help seniors stay in touch with their friends and family. In this internet guide for seniors, you’ll find low-cost internet programs, discounted mobile plans and digital resources to teach seniors how to use phones, computers, tablets and other technology.

Table of Contents

• Fixed-Income Internet Provider Programs for Seniors
  • Applying for Internet Provider Assistance Programs
• Discounted Mobile Plans and Cell Phones for Seniors
• How Seniors Can Qualify for the FCC Lifeline Program
  • How to Apply for the Lifeline Program
  • Popular Internet Providers That Partner With the Lifeline Program
  • Prominent Telephone Providers That Partner With the Lifeline Program
• Organizations That Help Seniors With Internet Access and Digital Devices
• Digital Literacy Programs for Seniors
• Additional Internet Resources for Seniors
• Frequently Asked Questions About Internet and Mobile Plans for Seniors

Fixed-Income Internet Provider Programs for Seniors

Many popular internet service providers (ISPs) offer fixed-income internet plans and packages for seniors. As long as they qualify for one or more government assistance programs, they should be eligible for the plans offered below. Note that there may be additional programs not listed that can also help seniors qualify for these internet plans.

Applying for Internet Provider Assistance Programs

Most internet providers make applying for internet assistance as straightforward as possible. Typically, the steps required are as follows:

• Check the provider’s availability. Enter your address on the internet provider’s website to see if they service your neighborhood.
• Submit an application. Apply online through the provider’s internet assistance program page. The provider will ask you to attach your paperwork for proof of eligibility based on what documentation and programs they accept.
• Verify your status and sign up. Most internet providers will let you know whether you’ve obtained approval within a week. You should then see the program discount on your first bill from the internet provider.

Discounted Mobile Plans and Cell Phones for Seniors

Besides discounted internet plans, there are also cell phone providers that offer discounts on mobile plans and cell phones. Similar to the fixed-income internet plans, seniors who qualify for one or more government assistance programs are eligible to sign up for any of the following provider plans. Many of these plans don't require contracts and also come with a discount when you sign up for AutoPay/e-billing.

How Seniors Can Qualify for the FCC Lifeline Program

The Lifeline program is a federal assistance program through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that helps low- and fixed-income Americans, such as seniors, obtain affordable telephone and internet service.

Lifeline works with internet service providers (ISPs) to give you a discount of up to $9.25 per month off your internet bill or $5.25 per month off your phone bill. When applying, seniors must have an income at or below the 135 percent federal poverty guidelines or be enrolled in a preexisting federal assistance program. Here are all the qualifying programs the FCC recognizes for Lifeline participants:

• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called Food Stamps
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Tribal programs (for those living on federally recognized tribal lands)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

How to Apply for the Lifeline Program

Applying for the Lifeline program is a simple process, even for seniors. The steps needed to complete the application are as follows: 

• Apply. Go to the Lifeline National Verifier page to pick your state and begin the application process. Here, you’ll need to fill out your contact information and provide your eligibility information via Lifeline’s list of accepted documents. They do offer a printable, mail-in option as well. Alternatively, some ISPs allow you to apply for the Lifeline program directly through their website.
• Enroll. Once the Lifeline program informs you that you qualify for service, you’ll have 90 days to choose a participating internet or cellular provider in your area. Use the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) tool to find companies that service your address. From there, you can sign up by following the enrollment instructions provided by your internet provider.

Popular Internet Providers That Partner With the Lifeline Program

Most major internet providers across the U.S., such as the ones listed below, have partnered with Lifeline to offer discounted internet services to their customers.

Prominent Telephone Providers That Partner With the Lifeline Program

Seniors who are looking for discounted phone services can choose from a variety of different providers below that have partnered with the Lifeline program.

Organizations That Help Seniors With Internet Access and Digital Devices

Many nonprofit organizations around the U.S. strive to assist seniors with getting internet access, technical support and computers. These groups are even happy to help seniors navigate their application process. As long as they qualify under certain assistance programs, like SNAP or Lifeline, seniors will be eligible for services under these organizations.

Digital Literacy Programs for Seniors

As technology changes and new devices become vital for day-to-day life, it can be difficult to get the training you need to stay connected. However, there are several organizations out there that can help seniors learn about new devices and how to use them. Here’s a list of popular organizations providing a boost to your internet and mobile communication skills:

Additional Internet Resources for Seniors

Outside of ISPs and nonprofit organizations, there may also be programs and resources within your local community that can provide additional resources, such as digital literacy courses and discounted devices.

• Public libraries: Local libraries commonly host digital skills workshops open to the public, many of which are specially designed for seniors. These public institutions also have free internet access and will even let you borrow a hot spot or a laptop from them with a library card (which you can get for free!).
• Community resource centers: Also known as recreation centers, community resource centers will sometimes provide affordable internet devices or hold computer training sessions tailored for seniors.
• Community colleges: Your local community college or technical college offers digital literacy courses and free internet access to seniors. Although some community colleges may have fees for these courses, many community colleges waive tuition for seniors with proof of eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About Internet and Mobile Plans for Seniors

What is the cheapest internet service for seniors?

Several internet providers offer discounted internet to seniors, with speeds capable of handling online streaming or video chatting with loved ones. Internet Essentials from Comcast, for example, provides qualifying seniors with internet service at speeds up to 75 Mbps for $14.95 per month.

How can seniors get discounted or free internet?

Seniors on a fixed income, or those who participate in select government assistance programs, can get discounted or free internet through the Lifeline program, internet provider programs or programs sponsored by nonprofit organizations.

How can seniors qualify for the Lifeline program?

Seniors can qualify for the FCC’s Lifeline program by meeting one of three conditions: Your income is 135 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines, you participate in federal assistance programs (SNAP, FPHA, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit), or you have a child or dependent who participates in a federal assistance program.

If I don’t qualify for Lifeline, can I still get discounted internet?

Yes, it may still be possible to get discounted internet even if you don’t qualify for Lifeline. Internet providers such as AT&T, Verizon and Xfinity have independent discount programs. Several nonprofit organizations also help seniors get affordable internet. However, many of these programs ask for similar eligibility requirements as Lifeline.

How can seniors get discounted or free mobile plans?

If you qualify for the federal government’s Lifeline program, you can obtain a free cell phone and discounted cell phone service through participating providers. You’ll need to apply online with Lifeline. Once you’re approved, you can contact any participating cell phone provider and enroll for a free phone and discounted service.

Where can seniors learn to use the internet?

Many nonprofit and community-based organizations provide both in-person and virtual digital literacy courses for seniors. For example, the nonprofit organization Oasis Connections offers affordable, virtual technology classes and related courses to seniors across the country.