Free and Discounted Tech Programs for Seniors

Many internet, phone, and tech services offer deep discounts for seniors and people on fixed incomes — here's a complete guide to what's available.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.FCC Lifeline Program — Free or discounted phone/internet service
2.Comcast Internet Essentials — Low-cost internet
3.AT&T Access and other carrier discount programs
4.Free tech training and help programs
5.Software and subscription discounts

FCC Lifeline Program — Free or discounted phone/internet service

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The Lifeline program provides up to $9.25/month discount on phone or internet service for qualifying households. You qualify if you receive Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension Benefits. To apply: go to lifelinesupport.org to find participating providers in your area and apply online. Call 1-800-234-9473 for help.

Quick Tip

The Emergency Connectivity Fund and other federal programs expanded broadband access significantly. If you've been denied before, recheck — eligibility rules and funding change.

Comcast Internet Essentials — Low-cost internet

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Comcast offers Internet Essentials to low-income households, including those with seniors receiving public assistance. The service provides home internet for $9.95/month (speeds up to 100 Mbps) plus the option to purchase a discounted computer. Apply at internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376. Must live in a Comcast service area and not have had Comcast internet in the past 90 days.

AT&T Access and other carrier discount programs

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AT&T offers AT&T Access for about $10/month for qualifying households (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, federal housing assistance). Spectrum also offers $14.99/month internet for qualifying customers. T-Mobile and Verizon have low-income phone programs. Call your current phone or internet carrier and ask specifically: "Do you have a low-income or senior discount program I might qualify for?" Many people don't know to ask.

Free tech training and help programs

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AARP TEK (Technology Education and Knowledge) offers free in-person workshops at libraries and senior centers — go to aarp.org/tek to find events near you. Senior Planet from AARP offers free tech classes online and in person in many cities — go to seniorplanet.org. Public libraries offer free computer use, internet access, tech help sessions, and digital literacy classes — call your local library or visit their website.

Quick Tip

The Senior Planet program in New York, Denver, San Francisco, and other cities offers free tech coaching by phone and online — you can participate from anywhere in the US at seniorplanet.org.

Software and subscription discounts

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Many services offer senior or AARP discounts not advertised prominently: Microsoft 365 is often discounted for seniors at retail stores; Adobe offers educator and senior pricing in some regions; Amazon Prime is $6.99/month (vs $14.99) for Medicaid recipients — go to amazon.com/eligiblecustomers to verify. AARP membership ($16/year) provides dozens of tech and everyday discounts — check aarp.org/benefits for the full list.

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Many internet, phone, and technology programs offer significant discounts — or are completely free — for seniors, people on Medicare, or those with lower incomes. These programs exist to ensure everyone can afford internet access and communication. Here's a guide to the most important ones available in the US.

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