Does Optimum Have a Senior Discount?
Updated
Optimum doesn't offer a general senior discount. Optimum itself says it has no plans made just for seniors. Older adults can still save. Optimum Advantage Internet costs $15/mo for households that qualify, including seniors 65 and older who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Here's who qualifies, what you get, and other ways seniors can cut their Optimum bill.
Optimum senior options at a glance
| Option | Price | Speed | Who can get it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optimum Advantage Internet | $15/mo | Up to 100 Mbps | Qualifying households (e.g., seniors 65+ on SSI, SNAP, Medicaid) |
| Optimum 300 Mbps | $35/mo with Auto Pay + Paperless | Up to 300 Mbps | Anyone in Optimum's service area |
| Lifeline credit | Up to $9.25/mo off | n/a | Eligible low-income households (FCC program) |
Optimum Advantage Internet: the closest thing to a senior discount
Optimum Advantage Internet is $15/mo plus taxes and fees for speeds up to 100 Mbps. Installation is free, a gateway is included, and Optimum supplies a WiFi extender if its technician recommends one. Optimum says there's no annual contract and offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. It can't be combined with other Optimum internet offers.
A household may qualify if someone:
- Is 65 or older and is eligible for or receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Receives SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Federal Public Housing Assistance or another FCC Lifeline-qualifying benefit
- Is a veteran receiving state or federal public assistance, or a Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Has household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Qualifies through school programs (NSLP free or reduced lunch, CEP schools, NYC public school attendance) or a current Federal Pell Grant
Outside New York, the offer is for new Optimum Internet customers, or customers who have been disconnected for at least 60 days. In New York, it's open to new and existing customers. Former accounts not in good standing aren't eligible. More detail: how to get low-income internet through Optimum.
Check what Optimum offers at your address
Compare Optimum and other low-cost internet options in your ZIP.
Seniors who don't qualify: cheapest regular plans
If you don't qualify for Advantage, Optimum's cheapest standard plan is 300 Mbps for $35/mo with the $10 Auto Pay and Paperless discount (checking account required, no credit cards). 500 Mbps is $45 and 1 Gig is $55. A 300 Mbps plan easily handles video calls, streaming and browsing for one or two people. The gateway is free for the first 12 months, then can rise by up to $5/mo per year.
More ways seniors can save on Optimum
- Apply for Lifeline: the FCC program takes up to $9.25/mo off phone or internet service for eligible households.
- Right-size your speed: many seniors don't need gigabit internet.
- Use your own equipment where allowed: see can I use my own router with Optimum?
- Ask about retention offers: tips in how to get Optimum to lower your bill.
How Optimum compares with other providers
Some competitors have senior-focused pages or programs. Compare Xfinity senior discounts, Spectrum senior savings and military internet discounts if a veteran lives in the home.
Want help finding the cheapest plan for a senior household?
Call us or compare plans by ZIP.
Frequently asked questions
Does Optimum have a senior discount?
No, not a general one. Optimum says it has no plans specifically for seniors. Seniors 65+ who receive SSI, or who qualify through programs like SNAP or Medicaid, may get Optimum Advantage Internet for $15/mo.
How fast is Optimum Advantage Internet?
Optimum's Advantage page lists speeds up to 100 Mbps for $15/mo, with free installation and equipment included.
What is the cheapest Optimum plan for seniors who don't qualify?
The 300 Mbps plan at $35/mo with the Auto Pay and Paperless discount is Optimum's cheapest standard plan.