Keep in mind that this is only a pilot program to test the viability of a cheap Internet program for senior citizens, but as our beloved grandmammy always said, “Where there’s smoke there’s fire.”
In other words, what is merely a test program today may well turn into a full-fledged discount on high-speed broadband internet for seniors — one of the most deserving groups that has so far been excluded from Comcast’s Internet Essentials program. That program, as regular CheapInternet.com readers know, is aimed at low-income families with school age children.
If the program goes well, and we have no reason to think it won’t, America’s most deserving demographic will soon be entitled to the same discounts now received by those younger families.
If everything goes well, Comcast will begin offering high-speed Internet for just $9.95 per month to senior citizens across the country. Eligible seniors will also be offered Internet-ready computers for just $150.
Where is the pilot program being conducted?
Comcast is conducting pilot programs in three widely-separated geographic areas — Boston, Massachusetts, Palm Beach County, Florida, and San Francisco County, California.
Eligible senior residents who reside in areas serviced by Comcast cable, will be able to help the cable television giant test the concept. They’ll be able stay in touch with friends and family across town and around the world, and to have access to affordable news, information and entertainment.
Desktop or laptop computer for for seniors. Priced at just $149.99 +tax
Consistent with the rest of the Internet Essentials program, Comcast’s pilot program for seniors is offering your choice of desktop or laptop computers for just $149.99 plus tax. The computers are not new, but they have been completely refurbished and will allow you to close your own personal Digital Divide by getting on the Internet and taking advantage of all it has to offer.
Your Internet Essentials computer comes loaded with Microsoft Office and Norton™ Security Suite and has a 90-day warranty.
How to qualify
Are you eligible for the Internet Essentials Seniors pilot program? Well, of course, the very first requirement is that you must reside in one of the areas in which Comcast is testing the program. In addition to that, there are a few additional requirements:
- You must be 62 years or older
- You must currently participate in another designated federal or state assistance program in the area in which you live
- You must not have subscribed to any Comcast internet service within the last 90 days
- You cannot have outstanding debt to Comcast that’s less than a year old. If otherwise eligible seniors have outstanding debts that are more than one year old, they may still be eligible)
What are those state and federal assistance programs?
Interestingly, there is a big difference between eligibility requirements for regular Internet Essentials and Seniors Internet Essentials.
The regular Internet Essentials program is aimed at families with at least one child who qualifies for the National School Lunch Program. Clearly, very few seniors have school-aged children in their homes, so the eligibility requirements for the Seniors pilot program have wisely been expanded and changed so that they much more closely parallel the requirements for the Lifeline Assistance, the free government cell phone program.
As we noted above, eligible seniors must currently receive at least one of the following forms of state or federal assistance. Here they are:
Federal Assistance Programs
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public House Assistance (Section 8)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- National School Lunch Program
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Head Start
Medicare Extra Help Program
In addition, each of the three pilot program includes state assistance program. Of course, those programs vary from state to state, so here’s a complete breakdown of the programs in which your participation will make you eligible for the seniors pilot program:
Massachusetts Assistance Programs
- MassHealth
- Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
- Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
Florida Assistance Programs
- Temporary Cash Assistance
- Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP)
California Assistance Programs
- Medi-Cal
- CalFresh
- Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKS)
- Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (STANWORKS)
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Healthy San Francisco
Congratulations to Comcast
According to the highly-respected Pew Research Center, less than half of seniors (a mere 47% to be precise) have high-speed Internet at home. As bad as that sounds, the stats get even more extreme when you factor in income. Only 25% of seniors with household incomes below $30,000 have access to high-speed broadband internet service.
If this new Comcast pilot program is as successful as we expect it to be, those statistics are sure to soar upward when Comcast rolls out a full Seniors Internet Essentials program somewhere down the road.
From our point of view, and from the point of view of America’s low-income seniors, it can’t happen soon enough.
For more information on the Internet Essentials pilot program for seniors, call 855-850-4550.
Christopher Sullivan says
I am a senior living in affordable housing who has been a Comcast subscriber for years. I have noticed my bill jump from 72. to 95. dollars a month. I am currently making under 25K per year and am looking to have my monthly bill be more affordable
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, Christopher, Comcast will not allow you to go from a full-price account to a low-income account unless you terminate your service for at least 90 days. Yes, we know that’s a stupid rule that punishes those who need the help most, but that’s the rule. Check out all the other low-income service plans to see if any of them are available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
rodney b wilburn says
what is the target date to expand your senior low income internet to TN, I was told around March. is this true?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We are not Internet Essentials, Rodney. This is an independent informational website. You’ll have better luck getting your question answered if you contact Internet Essentials directly.
frances says
Why is it that I have to disconnect internet service with Comcast for 3 months to be eligible for the Essential Program? I live in Rahway, NJ and there is no other service except Verizon which is expensive. Is there a way to hook up my cell phone internet with my non wifi computer?
jeanne says
When will you come to columbus ohio? I am a low income senior, living alone and have not had internet or television for a long time.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We are not Internet Essentials, Jeanne, so we cannot answer that question. This is an independent informational website and, believe it or not, Comcast does not share its corporate expansion plans with us.
Gertrude Campbell says
I will like to get the internet service only.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s where you can check out all the low-income internet plans and figure out which one fits your needs best, Gertrude:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Martin Braun says
the idea of “cheap” or , “inexpensive or Affordable” high Speed internet and World Wide Web services for Seniors,(many of us who are all but housebound and cannot easily get to libraries), sounds wonderful. I can see, instantly, though, that the numerous and various companies offering these services, each according to entirely different standards, at different service speeds-3 or 5 MgByte download speed-or 10 MB download. Make choosing and identifying the right or best service in a person’s home state and area, difficult and confusing.
It might be infinitely better to just have the “inexpensive” services provided with a senior’s electricity . Everyone-almost-needs power and light or gas. If, along with this service, the various companies using the governem programs such as SNAP or similar aid in place services, to ID actual seniors instead of fakes, give the low price or cost internet, alongside of or with electricity or phone, it would uncouple much of the confusion from the actual provision and thus give more service and less aggravation.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
That’s a nice idea, Martin, but the cable companies will fight it tooth and nail because they do not want to be regulated like utility companies. But one can always dream.
CaineAviz says
This is a bogus program set up just to seem humanitarian but the major senior centers of california like Patterson & Turlock are beign neglected not to mention they only qualify a highly narrow spectrum of senior citizens. This pilot program has existed since 2011 and they expand to a new meteopolitan area every year when it should be nationwide wherever they have territorial monopoly of cable service. Want 25mbps at a low price of 9.99 with out contracts or limits , youve milked the populace of trillions the least you could do is help Empower the senior community so they can finally realize that dying of old age is nothing but a fictional lie promulgated by the mafias that wish to work you like a slave for a few pieces of paper while their families go on to live hundreds of years in complete thorough secrecy. Any clown leaving a comment under mine promotiong cheap internet can go sell it to his troll mother.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There may be some low-income internet plans that seniors are eligible for, Caine. You should check them all out at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Pay particular attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity. Hopefully, one of the plans we describe will solve your problems.
Yuwen Pan says
Dear Sir,
I am Yuwen Pan. I am 77 years old.I get Foodstamps and MassHealth. I am needing a Cheap Internet as soon as possible. Please help me.
Thanks,
Yuwen Pan
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a number of low-income internet plans available, Yuwen. Check them all out at this link to find out which ones your parents are eligible for and which ones are available where they live:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Youlan Chen says
Dear Sir,
I am Youlan Chen. I am 79 years old. I get Foodstamps and MassHealth. I am needing a Cheap Internet as soon as possible. Please help me.
Thanks,
Youlan Chen
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the low-income internet plans available at this link, Youlan:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Bill says
Programs that do not qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist: Social Security Disability (SSD), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Social Security Retirement and Survivor Benefits are different from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and do NOT meet eligibility requirements. WHY? DO YOU THINK THESE PEOPLE DONT NEED IT OR DONT DESERVE IT!?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We hear you, Bill. If it were up to us, eligibility would be expanded.
Ian costello says
Why do people who get ssi get cheap internet and not people who get ssdi. On group needs help financially the other group needs help financially AND IS HANDICAPPED!!
ZHONGQUAN GU says
Dear Sir,
I am Zhongquan Gu. I am 82 years old. I get Foodstamps and MassHealth. I am needing a Cheap Internet as soon as possible. Please help me.
Thanks,
Zhongquan Gu
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a number of low-income internet plans you should definitely should check into. Here’s where you can find them all:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Pay particular attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity. They’re great plans if they are available in your area.
Bin Lin says
Dear Sir,
I am Bin Lin. I am 66 years old. I get Foodstamps and MassHealth. I am needing the Cheap Internet as soon as possible. Please help me.
Thanks,
Bin Lin
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s where you can check out ALL the low-income internet plans to find out where they are available and which ones you’re eligible for:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Junxiu Sun says
Dear Sir,
Iam 80 years old women.I get EAEDC and SNAP and Masshealth. May I apply a cheap internetas soon as possible.
Please help me.
Thanks,
Junxiu Sun
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We are not a low-income internet company, Junxiu. We are an independent informational website. You must contact the service provider of your choice directly. You can see all that plans at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Yun Chang Wu says
Dear Sir,
I am 75 years old. I live at *** ******** 01604. I get Foodstamps and MassHealth. I need a cheap internet as soon as possible. Please help me.
Thanks,
Yun Chang WU
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out all the low-income plans available, especially AT&T, 4GCommunity, and PCs for People at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Jianhul Yang says
Dear Sir,
I am 71 years old. I get Foodstamps and MassHealth. I need a cheap internet as soon as possible. Please
help me.
Thanks,
Jianhul Yang
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You can check on each of the low-income internet plans at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Qiuhong Hu says
Dear Sir,
I am 68 years old. I just moved in **** *******, WORCESTER, MA 01604 last month. I do not have any incomes and any benefits right now. May I apply a cheap internet as soon as possible?
Thanks,
Qiuhong Hu
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Yes, you can, Qiuhong. It sounds like you qualify for several plans. Take a look at PCs for People, 4GCommunity, and maybe even AT&T at the following link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Alex Samoylovich says
I,m not satisfied because I,m a senior citizen, have very low income and live alone from my
kids.
Its very hard to afford internet from internet company without same help from Government agency or internet company
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here are a couple internet plans that allow you to make far greater income (in fact, one of them doesn’t care how much you make). Check out PCs for People and 4GCommunity at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Claudia Kosin says
I am a senior living in Illinois who has never had the internet at home and must depend on the library which can be inconvenient. I am on SNAP and all my money goes for rent and healthcare. I had to go back to work but only found part time to help pay for daily necessities and can’t afford to have much else. I have gone without fancy cell phones, the internet and everything else that is extra money and am falling behind the times. Anything out there for people like me?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Absolutely, Claudia. There are several programs that require you to have school-age children in the family, but there are a couple that do not. Check out PCs for People and 4GCommunity at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
GuifengYu says
Dear Lady and Sir :
My name is GuifengYu, I am 77 years old American citizen. I am living at Worcester MA.
I get Foodstamps and Medicaid . I need cheap internet , please help me .
Thank you very much .
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There is no nationwide plan for seniors yet, Guifeng, but there are three plans you probably qualify for IF they’re available in your area. Check out Access from AT&T, PCs for People and 4GCommunity at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
ROBERT T IAPICCA says
Dear Sir”
I am an 87 year old senior citizen and i receive medicare
food stamps and l live on a fixed income..
Please Help!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are several low-income internet plans that may help you, Robert. Take a look at the list at this link and pay particular attention to PCs for People and 4GCommunity. They are great options if they’re available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Ms. Yuan Wen says
Dear Sir,
I am 79 years old. I am a senior citizen. I get SSI and Foodstamps and Medicaid. I am needing the Cheap Internet. Please help me.
Thanks,
Yuan Wen
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Sounds like you qualify, Yuan, but you need to check out all the low-income internet plans available at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Check them all out carefully to see which ones you qualify for and which ones are available in your area.
Linda Whitfield says
Will this service be offered in the State of Kentucky?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s where you can find a complete list of all the low-income internet service providers, where they are available and contact info:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Kefu Mao says
Dear Sir,
I live at WORCESTER, MA. I am 81 years old. I am a senior citizen. I get SSI and Foodstamps and Medicaid. I am needing the
Cheap Internet. Please help me.
Thanks,
Kefu Mao
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’ve come to the right place. Most of the low-income plans are designed for families with children, but there are two plans you should take a look at PCs for People and 4GCommunity, which both have far less restrictive eligibility requirements. Find all the plans at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Chenying Yang says
Dear Sir,
My account: 8350 12 001 553****.
I am 82 years old. I am a senior citizen. I get a Social Security check and SSI and foodstamps and medicare and medicaid also. I live in **** ****** STREET, APT ***, WORCESTER, MA 01604, USA. I am needing the Cheap Internet as soon as possible. Please help me.
Thanks,
Chenying Yang
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a couple plans you should look at, Chenying. We think you’re eligible for both of them, so the only question is whether they are available in your area. Look into PCs for People and 4GCommunity at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Irene Chavez says
I am 65 yrs. I am needing home internet. Since being on a fixed income, have not been able to. Afford
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
If you don’t live in HUD-assisted housing, you will not be eligible for this program, Irene. But don’t despair. There are several other low-income internet programs you should take a look at — including PCs for People and 4GCommunity. Take a look at all the programs (especially those two) at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Saundra Romero says
Offering high speed Internet to seniors on fixed incomes should be a high priority. More and more companies expect customers to do service online. Many seniors on a fixed income cannot afford food or housing, much less Internet service. So these things conflict. The smart thing to do is provide low-income seniors access to the tools they need at a cost they can afford, or better yet for free. Your current methods exclude many seniors from being able to do business online. The W3C and Federal Government urge all e-business to design their tools to be inclusive so that everyone can benefit. I’m a senior living on social security and can barely pay rent, much less buy food and pay for transportation. Having to also pay for Internet access in order to do business online makes it so I can’t buy food or pay for medication when needed. I also have to turn off the heater in winter because I can’t afford the utility bills. Unable to work any longer, what is a person to do? We need these services now and not some time in the future. Thanks for listening.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We are 100% in agreement, Saundra. We’ll do everything we can do on our end to prod into action the government and the service providers.
Carmelita Pena says
I am 63 yrs old. I get foodstamps, a social security check and I have Medicare also. I live in Highlands, Texas 77562. Can I get the internet for low income seniors?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Only if you live in HUD-assisted housing, Carmelita.
From our perspective, it’s very shortsighted to include only HUD-assisted seniors in this program. We cannot comprehend why they are any more deserving that other low-income seniors who live in other kinds of housing.
theresa says
Darn I just fell through the cracks, 3 more years ill be 62 and i dont get snap but i do get ssi disability. I love the internet and im very poor. I hope they think of me when they offer it for everyone in the world low cost. 30 dollars is to much for me ,gotta eat . Maybe Ill just forget about breakfast and just eat lunch and dinner ,that atta do it, then i can talk to my poor old mom shes 85 and loves facebook.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Good luck, Theresa. We hope the program expands and makes you eligible very soon.
George says
Age 62 or older, do you have idea how the ages are calculated for eligibility. By calendar year or anniversary??? Please advise, Thank you.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It’s determined by your birth date, George. But please keep in mind that this is only a pilot program at this point and is only available in a few very limited areas, and only available where Comcast’s Internet Essentials is available. Until the program is rolled out nationally, check out all the other low-income Internet plans available, particularly PCs for People:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Thom Holland says
I am alone, lonely and really need some kind of outlet.
THANKS
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Your comment breaks our hearts, Thom. If you live in HUD-assisted housing, you’ll be eligible for this new Internet Essentials plan. If not, take a look at all the other plans available. None of them are available everywhere, but we hope you’ll find one that works for you.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
vincent says
what about the triple play?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Are you talking about the 3-3-5 triple play the Washington Nationals made the other night? It was incredible, wasn’t it?
Diraj says
Well Comcast is the only company that looks out for seniors and school age children. No other company not even Microsoft looks out for kids and low income or seniors. Verizon forget it, they only see dollar signs. AT&T only see dollar signs. So all the complaints about Comcast, they are doing far more than any other company. Its so sad, in the US has the worse greed amongst companies. The worse corruption amongst companies. And the worse Lawmakers who lobby for the crooked ones, because they get paid under the table.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We agree with your praise for Comcast. We honestly do not understand what more people expect the company to do. Yes, we realize you can’t make everyone happy, but Comcast does a pretty damn good job.
One other thing, Diraj. Check out another plan from an organization called PCs for People. You’ll find more about it on this page:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Arlene says
I think all seniors 80 and up if they can use the computer should have free access to the Internet . LET’S HELP OUR ELDERS . They have earned it !!
Kenneth says
I’m not surprised that those are the states that are the first to be privileged to the low cost internet services.Detroit is always the last on the list for anything that can help low income people, and or Seniors. What exactly did you use as your basis for determining what States would be the first to be allowed this helping hand.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’ll need to ask that question directly to Comcast, Kenneth. We’re an independent website and had nothing to do with choosing where the pilot program would be conducted.
Lourdes Zuleta. says
I am Lourdes Zuleta 68 yrs old, lived in NY Queens. I recieved meager $883.00 from SSS and food stamp from Medicaid. The thing is, I cannot afford to pay high bills of Internet because of my meager income. I think being senior citizen I am qualified for discount/cheaper Internet. Please help.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, Lourdes, the Senior program is still just a pilot program at this point. Take a look at the PCs for People link at this page. We do not know if the Spring cell network is available in Queens, but if it is, seriously consider the PCs for People plan:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Jimmy Cochran says
We qualify in many ways for lifeline internet Yakima Wa. Desperate need unlimited because both trying online college need asap. Plz any info greatly appreciated.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s a list of all the low-income plans available, Jimmy. Hopefully at least one of them is available for you in the Yamima area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Linda Richardson says
Even though we don’t live below the poverty level money doesn’t flow freely here. Why can’t these big companies just offer a discount to seniors like restaurants, department store and others do. It would make the senior life easier and I’m sure it wouldn’t cost the internet companies too much. It would definitely build good will.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
That’s the business model the FCC is moving toward, Linda. We’ll be bringing you news about revisions to the program very soon.
In the meantime, you might want to look into the PCs for People program because its requirements can be met by people who are not below the poverty level. Check it out here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
wan ying ng says
i’m senior citizen my income too low only $10,000.00 a year. i need into on cheap internet and date
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
AT&T’s senior Internet plan is just a pilot program at this point. But we suggest that you try this program (hopefully it’s available in the area where you live):
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet/pcs-for-people
Mary wilfer says
I need info on cheap internet and data.
I’m 86 years old.
On Medicare and Medicaid.
Low income $740.00 SSI and
Am I eligible for this.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We have exactly what you ne3ed, Mary.
visit our other website, CheapInternet.com and click on the “Low Income Internet” link at the top of the page. It will give you a complete list of all the low-income plans available to people exactly like you. Look through them all because each one is a little different in terms of how you qualify, how much they cost, and where they are available.
DONNIACatlin says
I am 60 years old and on disability and leap assistance and need help with internet
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There’s good news, Donnia. Check out the great low-income Internet plans described at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet/att-access
There are several plans, so hopefully one of them covers your specific geographic area.
Lisa Williams says
Am disabled, 54 years young, on a very low income and get help with food stamps and state medicare program. does this may me eligible?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It should you eligible for several of the low-income programs, Lisa. Take a look at them all to find the one that’s right for you based on eligibility requirements and geography:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
khamlot says
Grandfather just got comcast internet in Sacramento, CA. we asked if there was any programs besides Internet essentials, but the grand kids do not reside with him. Strange why they did not advise of pilot program. I do have would like to add, you company is very helpful.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Thanks for the kind words, Khamlot. We work very hard to help low-income Americans get affordable internet service and it’s always nice to know that our efforts are appreciated.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the Comcast pilot program will be successful and then rolled out for seniors across the country.
Shabria watson says
I’m waiting for something to be in Philadelphia, pa when will the Internet be here?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
No way of knowing, Shabria. It depends on the results of the pilot program. You might take a look at this program:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet/pcs-for-people
In addition, check out this list of low-income service providers in case one of the plans is available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Minh ,Pham says
My income from social security benefit each month$709.00 and I get Medicare extra help program ,so how I do apply this service?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There are a number of programs aimed at low-income folks. You can review them all at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Arline says
How do I apply for this service?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You cannot apply for this service yet, Arline. It is only a test program at this time. But keep your fingers crossed that it will roll out nationally soon.
Lemon says
Comcast should include the disabled on this not just seniors. There are a lot of disabled people making less than $800 a month who would qualify. Get rid of age limit and make it income limited.
William J Beat says
I am a Senior of 69 year’s of age living in Kansas City, MO. I am below the State Low-Income rate. I need help with Computor, TV and phone Service.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Do you live in public housing, William? Google Fiber is introducing free high-speed internet in Kansas City HUD-assisted housing. We’ll be doing an article about it very soon.
Sheila Mitchell says
Senior
Apple Valley, Ca. 92308
S S I only
S N A P only
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
??????????
Francine Massdin says
I am a senior interested in purchasing a laptop computer. f_massdin@*****.com.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You need to contact the organizations directly, Francine.
Henri Paul Mimeault says
82 years old income social security income less than $15,000 per year
do i qualify
i receive a free phone from California lifeline administration
Henri Paul Mimeault
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It’s just a test program right now, Henri. But based on the information that has been released so far, you would qualify when the program rolls out nationally.
We can keep you up-to-date with news on the program if you put your email address in the “Subscribe To Our Mailing List” box in the upper right hand corner of our home page and hit the return key.
Natalya Leytman says
I am a senior citizen with low income. I live in Brooklyn, New York. Unfortunately, we have only one provider in our area, which is Optimum. They charge $59.95 just for medium speed internet. I cannot afford to pay such high price. I hope we will get help soon. Thank you very much for your work.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We will update this story every time there is news. You should sign up for our weekly email updates by putting your email address in the “Subscribe to our Mailing List” box in the upper right hand corner of our homepage. Then hit your “Return” key and you’ll be placed on the list.
Judy sparkman says
I am eligible for the senior program. My #SS check is very low. I live in Tennessee.
Christopher D. Fitts says
I wear two hearing aids and I can’t hear over the phone and I am getting Social Security benefits I am51 years old I have a hard time with finances I don’t get that much a month I get food stamps I’m Get section 8 who do or where do I go to get to get internet at around 5 with my budget okay bro I’m paying $98 for DirecTV I’m not worth anything I need help let me know what I can do to get internet and cable I don’t know price at a low price
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, Christopher, neither food stamps nor Section 8 will help you qualify for the Comcast Internet Essentials program. But there are a couple other options you might try.
First, check out this article about a completely different program. If you live in an area covered by the Sprint network, it might solve your problem.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/pcs-for-people-best-internet-plan-for-low-income-americans
Second, if a smartphone will satisfy your internet needs you should check out our sister website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net
Here’s a recent article that will tell you which companies offer smartphones:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Karen Secrest says
I hope this program will soon be available in PA. But I don’t understand the proviso that we must not have cable for 90 days before applying. I have cable but the cost is so high i may have to cancel it soon. It’s a real struggle to pay for it each month.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We see both sides of this issue, Karen. From your perspective, Comcast should allow their low-income customers to migrate over to the cheaper plan. From the company’s perspective, they don’t want to trade active, full-price customers to cheaper, money-losing plans. It’s a difficult issue with no easy solution.
Wanda proctor says
Will this be available in antioch,tennessee
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Not at this time, Wanda. But keep your fingers crossed that Internet Essentials’ pilot programs prove successful and that the service spreads rapidly across the country soon after the results are in.
Mark says
This is a great news. One question – “How long need to wait this program for New Jersey? Will be it on my living time?”
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
There is absolutely no way of knowing. We believe that private enterprise moves at lightning speed compared to the government, so we should all keep our fingers crossed that Comcast concludes it’s pilot program quickly and expands the senior citizen program nationally.
LB says
Seems only Comcast is doing this. Why doesn’t Charter offer a similar program in Mass.?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, Charter doesn’t “need” to offer a low-income cheap Internet service. What we mean by that is that Comcast needed to offer the service in order to get the Federal Communications Commission to approve its merger with NBC.
Sharon Carter says
We could really use this pilot program in North Carolina.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Keep your fingers crossed that the pilot program works out well in the current test cities. We’re confident that Comcast will roll out the program to all its markets across the country if the pilot programs are successful. We’ll keep our readers updated on the progress.
Lilia says
So I called just now and found out that although I live in this rich Silicon Valley, CA our county which is Santa Clara County is not included in this pilot program. But the customer service representative told me to call back on April 9, 2016 to find out if they will expand the programs to other parts of the Bay Area.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Thanks for the input, Lilia. Please keep us updated on your progress.
Regina A. Morales says
I am a disabled 58 yr .female, with 2)gransons;;13&16.Mother killed i car accident. Very difficult to travel the 75-? Mile trip to and from Soc.Sec. office allthe way into the city .
New Orleans ,La.
l live at the end of the road,in the lowest part of parish.Delacroix Island, St Bernard,
Louisiana 70085
Crystal Lee says
This sounds like just what we are needing. The company we have been with is now going to charge us over $35 a month for what they consider a high speed internet service. From what I’ve been told, at 7, it is not. We depend upon our service to pay certain bills, make needed purchases and to keep in touch with our children and grandchildren who all live in other states. We are low-income and From what I have read here, we definitely qualify.
Please let us know when this program is available in Arizona!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Keep checking here at CheapInternet.com and we’ll update the situation as things change.