Low Income Cable Options Are Out There!
Cable has myriad affordable options available for every price point — you just have to be willing to do some digging!
Below, we’ve collected low income options for the largest cable providers in the US; if you don’t see your service provider here, give them a call—you’d be surprised by what you might be available to you if you just ask!
Also, on May 12, 2021, the FCC launched a new initiative called Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program to help subsidize Internet expenses for low-income households. The program offers up to $50 discount per month to eligible broadband customers for six months. Check the EBB page to see if you qualify.
Xfinity (Comcast)
Deals through Xfinity vary by area, so always make sure to check which packages apply to you! For just $24.99 a month, families can receive 100 channels through Xfinity’s most basic package. Xfinity/Comcast also offers cheap internet (at $14.99 a month) to low-income customers who receive public assistance, via the Internet Essentials program. Even cooler—you can snag a laptop or desktop for $149.00 through the program.
Spectrum (Charter)
Spectrum also offers a low-income internet option that they call Internet Assist. This offering features high speed internet, a free modem, and no data caps.
If you do not exceed certain income thresholds, you might also be able to take advantage of Lifeline, a government program which defrays cable costs by as much as $9.25 a month for eligible customers.
Cox
Cox offers one of the best low-income internet option out there! Called Connect2Compete, this program offers qualified applicants internet access and Wi-Fi for only $9.95 per a month.
As far as cable TV access goes, Cox offers a host of affordable options, including a basic cable tv package which starts a $25.00 a month.
Optimum
Optimum offers low cost broadband for seniors, eligible families and veterans for $14.99 a month! In order to be eligible, families must have at least one child enrolled that is eligible for the National School Lunch Program, and seniors must be 68 or older and on eligible to receive SSI. Families may also be eligible to receive a laptop for just $149.00!
Mediacom
Mediacom participates in the Connect2Complete program, and qualifying low-income families with at least one child in K-12 can receive internet for $9.95 a month.
Sparklight
Unfortunately, Sparklight offers no senior or low-income discounts. We recommend placing a call to see if there are special, unadvertised deals you may qualify for.
Fidelity
Fidelity, like many other cable providers, is part of the LifeLine program, which helps lower the cost of cellular and internet services for qualifying customers. To be eligible, you must participate in a government program like SSI, Medicaid, or food stamps.
GCI
While GCI offers LifeLine, it is only for phones, not internet. There are no other low-income options, unfortunately, although they encourage customers to call and inquire about current deals.
Armstrong
Armstrong is part of the LifeLine 135 program. If you are a low-income residential customer you may qualify for a $9.25/month discount off your internet or $7.25/month discount off your telephone service.
MCTV
MCTV does not offer any low-income discounts.
Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Supplemental Security Income
Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
As always, it pays to contact these providers directly to see if you are eligible for specific discounts for your own account.
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