How To Get Low-Income Internet Through Mediacom

Mediacom offers affordable cable internet throughout its footprint, but seniors, military, first responders, and families in need may qualify for special rates and terms.

We’ll cover the Xtream Connect plan and the Lifeline benefit, which could help you save even more. If you qualify for any of Mediacom’s special programs, you could get multi-year price locks, free internet equipment, and waived installation fees.

What is Xtream Connect?

Xtream Connect is available for certain low-income families who need help paying for their internet connection. It costs $29.99 per month with download speeds up to 100Mbps, and Mediacom includes an Eero router with the monthly price.

Mediacom waives installation and activation fees for qualifying families, and there are no data caps or contracts to worry about. Best of all, that low price is locked in for five years.

In comparison, Mediacom’s standard 300Mbps plan comes in at $30 per month, but that price is in effect for only two years. An Eero 6 router is included, but you may have to pay another $15 per month if you need to rent a modem, and installation and activation fees add up to another $100. After two years, the price jumps up to $65 per month.

Mediacom plans and prices

Who qualifies for Xtream Connect?

Eligibility for the Xtream Connect program requires one member of your household to be enrolled in at least one of the following programs:

• Federal Pell Grant recipients in the current award year
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers), Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811, Public Housing, and affordable housing programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians
• Lifeline program administered by the Universal Services Administrative Company (USAC)
• Medicaid
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or School Breakfast Program, including U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Tribal assistance programs
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

In addition to supplying proof of enrollment in the programs listed above, potential subscribers must also meet the following criteria:

• Does not have an outstanding balance with Mediacom
• Lives in an area where Mediacom already provides internet service

How do you apply for the Xtream Connect program?

Mediacom relies on the SheerID online verification tool to check your qualifications. To start the process, you select one of the following:

• CEP (Community Eligibility Provision, Title 1/LAP)
• Other Government Assistance Recipient
• SNAP Benefits Recipient

After that, enter your date of birth, physical address and email address, and click the Verify My Status button.

Apply for Xtream Connect Now

What is Lifeline?

Mediacom participates in Lifeline, the federal assistance program that helps pay for either mobile phone or broadband internet assistance for needy families. However, the benefit covers only part of your bill: up to $9.25 per month for low-income families.

To qualify for Lifeline, your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in one of the following programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Medicaid
• Tribal programs for Native Americans

You may also qualify if you are a survivor of human trafficking or domestic violence and you’re experiencing hardship. Read the full qualifications on the USCA Lifeline Support page.

How to get help on your Mediacom bill from Lifeline

Use the government’s online application or download the PDF and mail it.

Lifeline program administrators validate your eligibility through the information on your application and electronic databases. However, you may need additional documentation to prove your annual income. You can add the documentation when you submit your application or wait for a Lifeline program administrator to contact you.

Here are some examples of the forms you may need if you use Federal and Tribal assistance programs:

• SNAP: Upload a digital copy of your SNAP card and a government-issued ID that matches the name on the card.
• SSI: Upload a digital copy of your original SSI benefits award letter or a current benefits verification letter with the recipient’s name on it.

When you’re approved to participate in Lifeline, call Mediacom at +1-833-689-2761. Once all the paperwork is complete, Lifeline will pay the first $9.25 of your internet bill directly to Mediacom, and you’ll be responsible for the remaining $20 balance.

You’ll be responsible for verifying eligibility every year.

Who qualifies for Mediacom’s other special programs?

Mediacom offers special deals and rates to three other groups, as well: seniors, military, and first responders. Plan names differ, but prices and perks, like waived fees and free Wi-Fi equipment, are identical to the Xtream Connect plan.

The Seniors Connect plan is for subscribers who are at least 65 years old.

The Military Connect plan is available whether you’re active duty, a reservist, or a veteran from the following branches:

• Air Force
• Army
• Coast Guard
• Marine Corps
• Navy
• Space Force

Gold Star Families and military families also qualify.

The First Responders Connect plan is available to folks in the following professions:

• EMT
• Firefighter
• Police
• Search and Rescue
• 911 operators

Visit each dedicated site above to qualify or contact Mediacom at +1-844-937-3676 to learn about your options.

Other providers with low-income programs

Other options may be available if you aren’t in a Mediacom area. They include the following:

• AT&T Access program
• Spectrum Internet Assist
• Frontier
• CenturyLink

Additional resources

• Government Programs To Make Internet Service More Affordable
• How To Get Free and Low-Cost Internet
• Best Internet Deals
• Best Internet Plans and Discounts for Seniors
• Best Internet Plans and Discounts for Students

FAQ about Mediacom low-income internet