Meet Marty and Susannah, a vibrant senior couple living in the heart of Omaha. They've witnessed massive societal shifts from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s. While they've embraced technology, staying connected in a rapidly evolving digital world on a fixed income has its challenges. They, like many seniors, are often overlooked in the flashy marketing of telecom deals, leaving them in the dark about affordable options. This is where Xfinity's Internet Essentials and other budget-friendly plans come into play, offering a beacon of hope for seniors striving to stay connected without breaking the bank. Marty and Susannah each worked full- or part-time for more than 40 years and planned carefully for retirement but are finding much higher than anticipated prices in just about every aspect of their lives – increases that far exceeded the models they used over the years to calculate savings.
Contrary to popular misconceptions, a significant number of seniors are very active online. According to a Pew Research Center study, as of 2021, 75% of adults aged 65 and older report using the internet. However, this demographic often grapples with fixed incomes and rising living costs, making affordable internet access not just a convenience but a necessity.
Xfinity, a division of Comcast Corp., is a prominent player in the telecom industry. Like many other telecoms it does not offer senior-specific discounts but their Internet Essentials program is a game-changer for low-income households, including many seniors. For just $10 per month, eligible customers can access a 50Mbps internet plan, perfectly suited for video calls with grandchildren, online banking, or enjoying their favorite shows. Plus, the program includes free access to Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots, a boon for seniors like Marty and Susannah when they're out and about. Seniors may qualify for Internet Essentials if they participate in programs like Medicaid or receive a VA pension. This inclusivity ensures that more seniors, regardless of their specific circumstances, can enjoy the benefits of a connected life.
Understanding that not every senior is a binge-watcher needing hundreds of channels, Xfinity offers the Choice TV package. At around $30 per month, it includes over 10 channels, catering to those who enjoy a curated list of entertainment without the overwhelming clutter of countless options.
Xfinity also proudly partners with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP, a Federal initiative, aims to ensure that low-income households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. The qualifying criteria may well include many senior households that might otherwise not know they qualify.
Under this program, eligible households can receive a discount of up to $30 per month towards broadband service. This benefit increases to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands. In addition to the monthly service discount, the ACP also provides a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer, with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50 by the eligible household. The ACP replaced a previous program, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. That program’s funds were running out when the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was enacted in 2021. It’s designed to provide long-term support for broadband affordability.
Eligibility for ACP Essentials
Participation in Tribal Programs: For residents of qualifying Tribal lands, participation in:
Receipt of a Federal Pell Grant: Receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
Meeting the Eligibility Criteria for a Participating Provider's Existing Low-Income Program: Qualifying for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income program, subject to FCC approval of that program.
Loss of Income Due to Job Loss or Furlough Since February 29, 2020: For households that experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
Seniors can apply directly with Xfinity for ACP discounts.
While the ACP is not exclusively for seniors, many older adults qualify based on income or participation in certain federal programs like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income. By partnering with the ACP, Xfinity effectively extends a lifeline to seniors like Marty and Susannah who can now access discounted internet services as essential costs for housing, insurance, cars, gas, services, and food increase dramatically.
However, affordability is just one piece of the puzzle. Another critical aspect often overlooked in the conversation is digital literacy among seniors. Xfinity recognizes this and supports initiatives aimed at educating older adults about internet use, online safety, and maximizing digital tools for health, communication, and entertainment.
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