One of the benefits of aging is that many companies start to offer benefits specifically for the over 65 groups. Sometimes these benefits are hard to find, even though they do exist. In fact, many times it feels like you need a detective’s skills to track down the right person to talk to in order to get the discount you’re looking for.
Luckily for seniors, we have put together a list of all the major cable providers currently offering senior discounts.
Spectrum (Charter)
Spectrum offers a variety of senior discounts, including one month of free cable for every 12 months if you join as a senior. * Conditions Apply.
California Residents: You may receive a Lifeline phone credit, which will help you with the cost of your bundled phone and cable.
People on Public Assistance: Spectrum’s Internet Assist program, which provides high-speed internet at a significant discount, may also be an option for you.
Xfinity (Comcast)
Internet Essentials by Xfinity/Comcast offers seniors on fixed incomes in metro areas discounts.
Program Benefits:
Low-cost monthly internet connection
Buy a laptop or desktop for only $149.99
Eligibility:
62 years of age or older
Be Qualified for public assistance.
Contact the Comcast retention or loyalty department directly to see if you qualify for a senior rate.
Cox
Cox does not have any special senior citizen discounts, but they do provide basic services for $25 a month. Seniors who are on government assistance and live in a home with a grandchild attending K-12 school qualify for Cox’s Connect2Complete program, which provides internet services at just $9.95 per month.
Optimum by Altice USA
For seniors who qualify, Altice USA’s Optimum provides a 10% monthly discount on basic cable. To do so, you must:
Be 62 years of age or older.
For single individuals, make less than $24,433 a year.
For married individuals, make less than $29,957 a year.
Qualifying seniors can expect prices of $14.99 a month!
Suddenlink
Suddenlink offers one of the most extensive senior discounts around. If you’re over 65 and get SSI, you can get internet for just $14.99 a month if you haven’t been an Optimum or Suddenlink subscriber in the previous 60 days.
Mediacom
Mediacom’s internet and cable TV services start at $49.99 a month, but they’re also part of the Connect2Complete program, which allows eligible seniors to get internet for $9.95 every month.
Sparklight
Unfortunately, Sparklight does not provide any senior or low-income discounts. We recommend making a phone call to see whether there are any unique, unadvertised discounts that you may qualify for.
Fidelity
Fidelity participates in Lifeline, which helps lower the cost of mobile and internet services for qualified consumers, such as the elderly. To be eligible, you must participate in a government program like SSI, Medicaid, or food stamps.
GCI
GCI does not participate in Lifeline for the internet, only for phones. Unfortunately, there are no additional senior discounts available; however, they encourage clients to call and inquire about current discounts.
Armstrong
Although there are no senior discounts available on the homepage, you can join Lifeline and get a $9.25 monthly discount off your internet and a $7.25 monthly discount off your phone service. LOW
MCTV
Unfortunately, MCTV does not provide senior discounts. We recommend calling your local television provider to see if there are any special deals available in your area!
Vast
Vast does not provide any senior discounts, but they do have a $9.26 discount on their Lifeline service, which is usually $24.99 for phone and $46.99 per month for qualifying customers. Bundles are available starting at 39.99.
How to Find Out About Discounts
The easiest approach to obtain a fantastic senior discount, regardless of your local service providers, is to call and ask! Many of these programs aren’t well known, so you may need to speak with a professional to ensure your eligibility.
Final Thoughts
Senior citizen discounts on cable and phone services are as diverse as the providers themselves. You may be able to get a discount from your current service provider, or you may want to consider switching to a new one. No matter what, it’s always worth it to call and inquire about potential discounts!
Keep in mind that the best way to save money on these services is by bundling them together. This usually means getting internet, cable, and phone service from the same provider. Not only will you get a discount on each service, but you’ll also have just one monthly statement to worry about!
We hope this article was helpful in finding the best senior discounts for cable and phone services. If you have any questions, feel free to call your local providers.