How To Get Low-Income Internet through Optimum
Optimum has low-income households in mind with Advantage Internet
Sep 24, 2024 | Share 
Brand Guides, FAQ, Low-Income
The government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a huge benefit for households struggling to pay their internet bill. Customers saw a discount of up to $30 each month—or up to $75 for those on Tribal lands.
But funding for the program has ceased, and the discounts have stopped. Many households are now scrambling to find a cheaper alternative, and that’s where Optimum’s Advantage Internet program comes in. The qualifications are similar to those needed for the ACP, so the transition from one program to the other should be relatively smooth.
In addition to Optimum’s program, households on a tight budget can also apply for a discount through the government’s Lifeline program. The benefits aren’t quite as impressive, but they should help nonetheless. We talk about applying for Lifeline in our FAQ.
Can you get Optimum where you live?
Before we movie on, enter your zip code below to see if Optimum offers service in your area.
First, here’s what happened with Optimum when the ACP ended
Funding for the ACP concluded in April 2024. Optimum customers received their last full benefit during that month and were given the option to keep or discontinue their service.
In May, Optimum customers who kept their service received a credit of up to $14 on their bill—up to $35 for customers on Tribal lands.
Starting in June, pre-existing Optimum customers who received the ACP credit resumed paying standard rates. New customers who signed up through the ACP won’t pay standard rates until the 13th month of service, when the promotional period ends.
To lower their monthly internet expense, Optimum customers can apply for the Lifeline and Advantage Internet programs. We explain more about Lifeline in our FAQ but keep reading to find out how to qualify and enroll in Optimum’s program.
What is the Optimum Advantage Internet program?
The Optimum Advantage Internet program is a service designed for low-income families, seniors, and veterans. Parent company Altice USA introduced the first plan in 2017 as Altice Advantage Internet, offering download speeds of up to 30Mbps for a mere $14.99 per month. Altice renamed the plan to Optimum Advantage Internet and increased speeds to 50Mbps in 2021.
Altice USA quietly launched a “plus” version in 2022, which offers double the download speed for $25 per month.
In both cases, customers can also receive a discount through the Lifeline program, which provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month for low-income families or up to $34.25 for subscribers on Tribal lands.
Who qualifies for the Optimum Advantage Internet program?
To qualify for the Optimum Advantage Internet program, you must be a:
- New customer or
- Former customer without service (but in good standing) for at least 60 days
A member of your household must also meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Is 65 years of age or older and eligible for or receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Is a veteran and receives federal or state public assistance
- Lives in New York City and attends a New York City public school
How do you apply for the Optimum Advantage Internet program?
To apply for Optimum’s program, click on the button below to access the four-step questionnaire. At some point, you may be asked for proof of eligibility—either during the submittal process or after your application has been reviewed. Be sure to have legal documents ready when requested and either send them through the traditional mail system or upload them electronically in a JPG or PDF format.
Low-cost options from Optimum
| Package | Price | Speed | Connection type | Order online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advantage Internet | $14.99/mo.* | 50Mbps | Cable | |
| Advantage+ Internet | $25.00/mo.† | 100Mbps | Cable, fiber | |
| 300 Mbps Internet | $40.00/mo.‡ w/Unlimited Mobile plan | 300Mbps | Cable, fiber | |
| 300 Mbps Fiber Internet | $40.00/mo.‡ w/Unlimited Mobile plan | 300Mbps | Fiber |
Data as of 7/24/24. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. See disclaimers.
In addition to the Advantage Internet plans, Optimum also offers a low-cost 300Mbps plan at a cheap introductory rate. Technically, the discounted price is even lower if you bundle internet with an Unlimited mobile plan. However, a single Optimum Mobile line with the Unlimited plan costs $30 per month, and your 300Mbps internet bill will increase to $70 per month (at the very least) after the first year, so keep those rates in mind.
Do you know what internet providers offer service in your area?
Enter your information below to find the provider in your area that best meets your needs.
Other providers with low-income programs
If you don’t qualify for the Advantage Internet plan or if Optimum’s 300 Mbps Internet plan is too expensive after 12 months, other options may be available. Here are a few internet providers with similar programs:
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
- Best Internet for Veterans and Military Families
- Rural Internet Providers
- The End of the ACP
FAQ about Optimum’s low-cost internet
Does Optimum offer low-cost internet to seniors?
Does Optimum offer low-cost internet to low-income families?
Does Optimum charge an installation fee?
Does Optimum charge equipment fees?
Does Optimum require a contract?
Who qualifies for the Lifeline program?
How do you apply for the Lifeline program?
Disclaimers
* Optimum Advantage Internet offer for new residential Internet customers who do not have Optimum Internet services or have disconnected Internet service for a period of 60 days and meet eligibility criteria. Former Optimum accounts previously not in good standing are not eligible. Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply. Where available. Free standard installation. May not be combined with other offers. Minimum system requirements and equipment configurations apply. Advertised speed for wired connection. Many factors affect speed. See optimum.com/speedfactors. Actual speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. Unlimited data subject to reasonable network management practices employed to minimize congestion or service degradation. Wireless speed, performance, and availability subject to factors beyond Optimum’s control. Limit 1 free set of equipment per household. For system requirements or limitations, offer details, restrictions, terms, and conditions, see OptimumAdvantageInternet.com/terms. Other add-on options may be available. All rights reserved. Pricing, offers and terms is not transferable and is subject to change and discontinuance without notice.
† Offer not available in all areas. Offer for new residential customers in qualifying low-income households. Bulk Internet and commercial accounts are excluded. Former Optimum customers previously not in good standing not eligible for promo. Acct with unpaid bill after due date is not in good standing. Offer is not transferrable, may not be combined w/other offers, is limited to advertised level of srvc, and is not available in all areas. Other terms, restrictions & conditions apply. Cannot be combined with other Optimum Internet offers. Internet and Mobile subscriptions continue and renew automatically each month until canceled. Cancel any time at 877-694-9474 or 877-794-2724. Cancellation effective at end of then-current billing period except in WV. INTERNET EQUIP: Standard rates for professional installation may apply where free install is available. 1 free Gateway included. Limit 1 per household. 1 free WiFi extender available if recommended by your Optimum technician. WiFi extender(s) may be needed in order to connect wirelessly throughout Subscriber’s residence. Min system req’s & equip configs apply. Advertised Internet speed for wired connection. Fiber Internet: Up to 100 Mbps download and up to 100 Mbps upload. HFC Internet: Up to 100 Mbps download and up to 5 Mbps upload. Not available in all areas. Actual speeds may vary & are not guaranteed, see optimum.com/speedfactors for more info. Fiber Internet is subject to availability.
‡w/ Auto Pay & Paperless Bill. Wired connection. WiFi speeds may vary. Not available in all areas. Terms apply.
Author - Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.
Editor - Jessica Brooksby
Jessica loves bringing her passion for the written word and her love of tech into one space at HighSpeedInternet.com. She works with the team’s writers to revise strong, user-focused content so every reader can find the tech that works for them. Jessica has a bachelor’s degree in English from Utah Valley University and seven years of creative and editorial experience. Outside of work, she spends her time gaming, reading, painting, and buying an excessive amount of Legend of Zelda merchandise.
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