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 might be available to you if you just ask!
Xfinity (Comcast)
Deals through Xfinity vary by area, so always make sure to check which packages apply to you! One of their most affordable TV packages is the Choice TV plan, which includes 10+ popular TV channels for just $49.70 per month. Even cooler—you can snag a laptop or desktop for $149.00 through the program.
Xfinity/Comcast also offers a cheap Internet connection plan (for only $14.95 a month with speeds of up to 75 Mbps) to low-income customers who receive public assistance, via the Internet Essentials program. Xfinity also now provides an Internet bundle option called StreamSaver, which adds on Netflix, Apple TV+, and Peacock for an extra $15 per month. For even more entertainment, you can upgrade to the NOW StreamSaver package for $30 per month, which includes all the StreamSaver content plus On Demand and access to over 125+ live TV channels.
Spectrum (Charter)
Spectrum also offers a low-income Internet option that they call Internet Assist. This offers qualifying households 50 Mbps of Internet for $25/month and comes with high-speed Internet, a free modem, no data caps, and an unlimited mobile line included for one year. Or, qualifying households can take advantage of double the Internet speed for only $5 more a month.
If you do not exceed certain income thresholds, you might also be able to take advantage of Lifeline, a government program that defrays cable bill costs by as much as $9.25 a month for eligible customers.
Cox
Cox offers one of the best low-income Internet options out there! Called Connect2Compete, this program offers qualified applicants Internet access and Wi-Fi for only $9.95 per month.
As far as cable TV service goes, Cox offers a host of affordable TV options, including a basic cable TV package, which starts at $71.00 a month.
Optimum
Optimum offers low-cost broadband for seniors, eligible families, and veterans for $14.99 a month! The program is available to households that participate in qualifying government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or the National School Lunch Program.
There are no annual contracts, and the modem is included at no extra cost, making it an affordable and reliable option for families in need of Internet access.
Mediacom
Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program is a fantastic way for families to get connected without breaking the bank! For just $14.99 per month, qualifying households that participate in certain government assistance programs can enjoy reliable Internet with speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
Plus, if your household has a child who qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Mediacom will waive the monthly modem rental fee, saving you an extra $15 every month! With no contracts and a focus on keeping families connected, Xtream Connect is a smart and affordable choice for staying online.
Sparklight
Unfortunately, Sparklight offers no senior or low-income discounts. However, they do participate in the federal Lifeline program, which provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on broadband service for eligible low-income households in certain states, or up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands. We recommend calling Sparklight directly to see if there are special, unadvertised deals you may qualify for.
GCI
While GCI offers LifeLine, it is only for phones, not the 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 a $7.25/month discount off your telephone service.
Programs That Qualify You for Benefits:
If you or someone in your household participates in one of the following government assistance programs, you may qualify for benefits such as discounted Internet and/or TV service through the Affordable Connectivity Program:
- 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 cable companies directly to see if you are eligible for specific discounts. Don’t let cost be the reason you miss out on your favorite shows, family movie nights, or staying connected to what matters most. With the right plan and a quick phone call, you might find affordable options that fit your budget and keep the entertainment going strong at home.
Need help figuring out where to start? SmartMove is here to help you find the right TV or Internet provider in your area. With just a few clicks, SmartMove can connect you with the services that match your needs and budget, making it easier than ever to stay connected without the stress.
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