For many seniors, retirement can be a time of boredom and isolation. With fewer opportunities to get out and socialize, many elderly loved ones find themselves stuck at home with nothing to do. This can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety, as well as an increased risk of health problems. Fortunately, there are several ways that seniors can stay entertained and engaged.
Research has shown that internet users aged 65 and above have grown in the past decade. Compared to only 13% in 2012, 61% of seniors 65 and up own a smartphone, with 45% using some form of social media platform.
Having access to high-speed internet is becoming a necessity for seniors. One of the best deals available to seniors is the Xfinity deals and discounts. Xfinity offers a variety of TV and movie channels, as well as high-speed internet service, that can help seniors stay connected and entertained.
To fully understand the Xfinity senior discount 2022, learn its pros and cons, how to avail of it, and other ways to get additional savings on an Xfinity plan.
Xfinity is a cable-based internet service that uses the same infrastructure as cable TV to connect homes and businesses to high-speed internet. A product of Comcast and CNBC, Xfinity is a reputable company that delivers great service at affordable rates.
While there's no specific Xfinity senior discount, there are several senior-friendly internet plans provided by Xfinity. These plans can help seniors stretch their retirement funds to spend on life's extras like internet plans.
Xfinity is also a great choice for having internet service and cable TV because of the pros listed below. However, be prepared to sign up for a lock-in agreement when getting any of their plans.
Getting an Xfinity connection is as simple as visiting their website or going to a local Xfinity store. As mentioned, since there's no specific Xfinity senior discount, you can get one of their existing plans and apply any existing promotions and discounts.
Currently, Xfinity offers a Black Friday Sale with bundles and promotional discounts for new and switching users. The deals vary depending on the speed you need and the equipment you want with the subscription. There's also a free one-year subscription to HBO.
Low-income seniors can also qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which saves qualified customers up to $30 per month on their internet connection. This is a government-sponsored program that helps low-income households get access to high-speed internet.
To get started with any Xfinity plan, you need to:
There are plenty of Xfinity deals to choose from, and comparing all the available options can get confusing. Here are the best senior-friendly Xfinity deals you should consider:
Xfinity Internet Essentials is a no-contract, low-cost internet plan designed for low-income households. It's the cheapest plan available, at $9.95 per month, and provides up to 50 Mbps download speed. Equipment rental is already included in the fees, so you don't have to pay separately.
However, to qualify for this plan, you (or someone in your household) need to be on a government-assistance program such as Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, or Social Security. The program is not available to past Xfinity customers who had an account in the last 90 days or owe a debt to Comcast or Xfinity.
Xfinity Connect starts at $30 per month but can increase depending on the number of devices and the speed your household needs. This basic internet plan can accommodate seven devices simultaneously and provides 75 Mbps download speeds.
This is the recommended plan for seniors who don't qualify for the Essentials plan. It's the lowest package available, with basic features that most seniors need. If you want to increase the internet speed or the number of allowed devices connecting simultaneously, you can incrementally increase the monthly fee.
However, it's best to start at the lowest plan available, then gradually move up when you discover that your needs are increasing.
In some parts of the U.S., customers can get internet speeds up to 600 Mbps with the Xfinity Blast! Internet Plan. The plan starts at $59.99 per month, which includes a $10-per-month discount for automatic payment and paperless billing.
However, after the two-year price guarantee period, the regular rate goes back to $103.95 per month. There's also a one-year minimum contract and a $14 per month rental fee for the modem and router.
If many users in your household need a high-speed internet for video streaming or gaming, then this plan is your best option. However, if you're only using the internet for social media and casual web browsing, then the Essentials Plan with 50 Mbps speed is already enough.
If you don't mind having Xfinity as your service provider for your phone and TV needs, you can bundle up these services with your internet subscription. This will give you bigger savings compared to paying for them separately.
Xfinity Select+ Triple Play offers 200 Mbps internet speed, 130+ TV channels, and unlimited calls for only $99.99 per month for two years. After that, the price increases to $130.99 per month.
If you heavily rely on your phone and like to watch cable TV aside from using the internet, then bundling all these services will provide a better deal. It's also easier to manage because these services are billed as one.
Even if there's no specific Xfinitty senior discount available, there are still many ways to save on an Xfinity plan. Check out the tips below:
You get $10 per month when you enroll in your subscription to paperless billing and automatic payments. Over the course of two years, that amounts to $240 in savings. Plus, you won't suffer from a disconnected service because you forgot to settle the bill.
If you foresee yourself staying in one place for at least a year or already living in your own home, getting a lock-in contract is a good way to save up to 50% off your monthly plan.
Most providers like Xfinity are willing to give huge discounts to subscribers who commit to at least a 1-year contract. However, if you terminate the agreement early, you'll be charged a cancellation fee.
As mentioned in Xfinity Select+ Triple Play, bundling your services into one account gives you substantial savings. Calculate how much you'll pay for individual services and consider the additional stress of managing them one by one.
With bundling, you only have to think of one bill and one provider and get savings by doing so. As a senior, this is extremely helpful since you can devote your time and energy to pursuing other activities.
If you're a loyal customer, Xfinity will be more than happy to keep you. They'd want your business and will be willing to extend discounts rather than lose you to a competitor. All it takes is one call to their customer service centers to request that discount extension.
If you're still not convinced, check out this list of FAQs to help you make the decision if Xfinity is the best internet plan for your needs.
The cheapest Xfinity internet package is the Xfinity Essentials, which costs $9.95 per month. It comes with 50 Mbps speed, which is good for casual web browsing, social media, and email. There are no activation or installation fees or long-term contracts.Â
However, the plan is only available to seniors on a government assistance program.Â
Seniors can take advantage of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers qualified seniors $30 off monthly subscription plans. To qualify, the entire household income must be below twice or at the Federal Poverty Level. Participation in any federal assistance program is also an eligibility requirement.Â
There are ways to lower your Xfinity bill. Sign up for paperless billing and automatic payment to get $10 off monthly. You can also call their customer service hotlines to request a discount extension or ask about promotions you can get as a loyal customer.Â
Xfinity Basic has several channels, such as ABC, CBS, C-SPAN, EWTN, FOX, Hallmark, HISTORY, INSP, NBC, PBS, QVC, ShopHW, TV Land, and The CW. You can access these channels separately through Xfinity TV or bundled with the Xfinity Internet and Mobile Plan through the Xfinity Select+ Triple Plan.Â
Xfinity doesn't offer a senior discount specifically, even for AARP members. However, various year-round promotions can help seniors pay less for their internet and cable TV bills.Â
Xfinity offers some of the best internet and cable TV deals for seniors. While there's no specific Xfinity senior discount 2022, there are countless plans and savings opportunities to get high-speed internet for your entertainment and connectivity needs.
Worried about the effects of technology on seniors? Read about the benefits of technology for seniors in this Senior Strong blog.