Call for the Best Cable, Phone and Internet Deals: 855-349-9328
Call For Best Deals: 855-349-9328

Statistics show that over 16.5% of the US population is 65 years or older. This means that senior adults make up a huge part of the total US population and play a significant role in American society. Undoubtedly, it is now more important than ever to provide senior adults with the necessary technological means and channels through which they can keep up with the rest of the world.

In fact, ever since COVID, connecting virtually with family and friends has become the new normal. To keep up with the new communication and connectivity standards, seniors need a reliable internet connection. Luckily for American senior citizens, leading industry names like Optimum have the best cheap internet deals and discounts for seniors.

In this article, we will introduce you to Optimum Internet plans for senior citizens and explain how they work.

Optimum Internet Plans For Senior Citizens

For senior citizens, affordability is a key consideration when selecting an Internet plan. Thankfully, Optimum offers a couple of ways senior citizens may be able to save. These are:

  1. Optimum Affordable Connectivity Program
  2. Optimum Advantage Internet

However, these programs have qualifying criteria, which will be discussed later in this article. The best part is Optimum Internet plans are fast and competitively priced, and come packed with irresistible perks and benefits, such as unlimited data allowance and contract-free service. Let’s dig in to learn more about Optimum’s schemes for senior citizens.

Optimum Affordable Connectivity Program

Optimum is one of the participating ISPs in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) . As a participant, Optimum Internet service is discounted for eligible individuals or households. Here is everything you need to know about Optimum and ACP.

What Is ACP?

ACP or Affordable Connectivity Program is a state-run benefit program by the FCC. It aims to bridge the connectivity gap by offering specially subsidized internet rates to lower-income households in both urban and rural areas. ACP partners with various ISPs to provide discounted services to its eligible beneficiaries.

With ACP, eligible seniors can enjoy internet services with discounts of up to $30/mo. or $75/mo. for residents of Tribal Lands. However, with the Optimum Affordable Connectivity Program, after the $30 discount, Optimum offers to credit the remaining $10 and taxes and fees, making its 300 Mbps Fiber Internet connection completely free of cost for those who qualify!

Affordable Connectivity Program

  • Government-run FCC benefit program
  • Aims to bridge the digital divide by offering subsidized internet service and discounted offers to eligible customers
  • Currently has over 2 million households enrolled in the program

Who Qualifies for ACP?

Before you go ahead with the application procedure, it’s important to check and ensure that you qualify for the Optimum ACP discounts and benefits. The eligibility criteria are quite detailed and thorough, so give it a good look.

For seniors to enjoy Optimum Internet plans for free with ACP, they must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  1. Has a Federal Pell Grant during the ongoing award year
  2. Has an income at or 200% below the Federal Poverty Guidelines
  3. Participating or enrolled in one of these programs:
    • Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians
    • Federal Housing Assistance
    • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
    • Lifeline
    • Medicaid
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
    • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

You may also be eligible for the program if you are living on one of the Qualified Tribal Lands, and/or participating in one of these government programs:

  1. Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  2. Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
  3. Tribal Head Start (income-based)
  4. Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

To further confirm your eligibility, please visit this link.

Affordable Internet Programs

Note: One ACP benefit for each household. FCC considers one individual enrolled in the ACP benefit as one household. Therefore, only one person per household can enroll in the ACP and benefit from it.

Applying for ACP

Once you have ensured your eligibility, you must move on to the next step – the application process.

You must have proof of your eligibility prepared. Whether you are a qualifying household due to low-income status or are part of the eligible government programs, you must show proof of eligibility. To enroll in the Optimum ACP benefit, here is what you need to do:

  1. Optimum Internet plans: After verifying your eligibility, you must shop for your desired Optimum Internet plan. If you are an existing Optimum customer, move on to the next step.
  2. The application – complete the application form and apply for the $10 Optimum credit. Within 5 business days, Optimum will share your application status with you.
Affordable Internet Programs

Note: The credit amount may take up to 2 billing cycles to reflect on your monthly bills.

Optimum Advantage Internet

Optimum goes all out in ensuring it serves several segments of the population and leaves no stone unturned. Every type of customer, whether it’s a student or a 65+ year old elderly can access Optimum Internet at mind-blowing low prices, thanks to the Optimum Advantage Internet.

With Optimum Advantage Internet, you can enjoy speed up to 50 Mbps at just $14.99/mo. The price also includes a free WiFi Gateway, unlimited data, free installation, and no annual contracts or ETFs.

Who Qualifies for Optimum Advantage Internet?

Here are the eligibility criteria for Optimum Advantage:

1. Households with Students

  • Participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • New York City residents attending a New York City public school

2. Seniors

  • 65 years or older
  • Qualified for or receiving the Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

3. Veterans

  • Veterans receiving state assistance
Affordable Internet Programs

Note: You must be residing in an Optimum-serviced area and not have any outstanding balance with Optimum. You must also not be an Optimum subscriber for the past 60 days. To apply for this program, you must provide Optimum with a valid US Postal Address

Wrapping It Up!

People from all walks of life need a reliable internet connection to connect, socialize, get entertained, or just keep themselves busy. Seniors make up a huge part of the US population, and Optimum walks an extra mile to ensure they are not left feeling out from the perks and benefits of amazing Optimum Internet services. Whether you choose the Optimum Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), or go for the Optimum Advantage benefit, you will find a worthy steal deal no matter what!

If you have any further questions or concerns, reach out to Optimum Internet customer service at 844-520-8978. Representatives at this number can check your eligibility and give an expert answer to all your questions regarding Optimum services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to change Optimum Internet plan?

You can upgrade your Optimum Internet plan or opt for a bundle package to enjoy a range of services. Optimum Internet plans are contract-free, so you can change them at any time. Call Optimum Internet customer service at 844-520-8978 to discover Optimum offers available at your address.

Can you add an internet plan to triple-play Optimum

Optimum offers both double-play and triple-play deals. Its range of services includes Internet, TV, and Home Phone. To bundle Optimum Internet, TV, and Phone, call Optimum customer service at 844-520-8978.

How much is Optimum Internet?

Optimum Internet plans start at $40/mo., with speeds starting from 300 Mbps and going up to 1 Gig! The plans include unlimited data, no annual contracts, built-in security, and free internet on the go. Call Optimum Internet customer service at 844-520-8978 to learn more.

How to check current internet plan Optimum?

To check your Optimum Internet speed, use the Optimum speed test tool. Make sure to use a wired connection, shut down all background processes, and test at different times of the day to get an accurate result.