How Seniors Can Get Free or Low-Cost Internet in New York
Program information last reviewed July 2026.
Internet access can help older New Yorkers attend telehealth appointments, manage public benefits, refill prescriptions, communicate with family members and caregivers, and access important health and community resources.
Some seniors in New York can receive free home internet. Others may qualify for internet plans costing no more than $15 or $20 per month, a federal Lifeline discount or free internet access at libraries and public Wi-Fi locations.
Eligibility is generally based on where a senior lives, household income or participation in programs such as Medicaid, SNAP or Supplemental Security Income. Age alone does not usually qualify someone for free internet service.
Free and Low-Cost Internet Options at a Glance
- NYCHA residents may qualify for free internet through Big Apple Connect.
- Residents of certain affordable housing buildings may receive free or low-cost service through Liberty Link.
- Medicaid and SNAP recipients may qualify for reduced-cost plans under the New York Affordable Broadband Act.
- Income-eligible households may receive a monthly discount through Lifeline.
- Anyone needing temporary internet access can use free Wi-Fi at public libraries and LinkNYC kiosks.
Comparing Internet Assistance Programs for New York Seniors
| Program | Potential Cost | Who It May Help | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Apple Connect | Free | Residents of participating NYCHA developments | New York City |
| Liberty Link | Free or very low cost | Residents of selected affordable housing buildings | The Bronx and Upper Manhattan |
| New York Affordable Broadband Act | No more than $15 or $20 per month | Households receiving Medicaid, SNAP and other qualifying benefits | New York State |
| Lifeline | Up to $9.25 off each month | Income-qualified households and certain benefit recipients | Participating providers |
| Public libraries and public Wi-Fi | Free | Anyone who needs occasional internet access | Throughout New York |
| Senior Planet and library technology classes | Free | Older adults who need help using devices or the internet | Online and at participating locations |
Availability, providers, plan details and eligibility requirements can change. Seniors and caregivers should confirm current information with the program or internet provider before enrolling.
Which Internet Program Should You Check First?
Use these questions to identify the most likely starting point:
- Does the senior live in a NYCHA development? Check whether the development participates in Big Apple Connect.
- Does the senior live in an affordable or Section 8 housing building in the Bronx or Upper Manhattan? Ask the building manager whether the property participates in Liberty Link.
- Does anyone in the household receive Medicaid, SNAP, SCRIE, DRIE or another qualifying benefit? Ask local providers about Affordable Broadband Act plans.
- Does the household receive Medicaid, SNAP, SSI or federal housing assistance? Check Lifeline eligibility.
- Does the senior only need occasional internet access? Visit a public library or public Wi-Fi location.
- Does the senior need help using a computer, smartphone or tablet? Look for free training through Senior Planet, a public library or an older adult center.
A senior may potentially qualify for more than one program. However, discounts are not always automatically combined, so the final price should be confirmed with the provider.
1. Big Apple Connect for NYCHA Residents
Big Apple Connect provides free home internet and basic cable television to residents of participating New York City Housing Authority developments.
The program is available across 220 NYCHA developments and has been extended through June 2028. Participating households can receive high-speed internet, a modem, a wireless router, basic cable television and related equipment without a monthly charge for the covered services.
Eligibility is based primarily on whether the senior lives in a participating NYCHA development. It is not limited to residents of a particular age.
Eligible residents can take the following steps:
- Check whether their NYCHA development participates in Big Apple Connect.
- Determine whether Spectrum or Optimum serves the development.
- Contact the assigned provider to enroll or confirm that the benefit has been applied to an existing account.
- Review the first bill after enrollment to make sure covered services are listed correctly.
Existing Spectrum or Optimum customers in participating developments may also be able to have their eligible service costs reduced through the program.
Seniors and caregivers should ask the provider whether optional services, premium channels or equipment upgrades would create additional charges.
2. Liberty Link for Participating Affordable Housing Buildings
Liberty Link is a New York City pilot program intended to deliver free or low-cost internet to residents of selected affordable housing buildings.
The program was created to serve nearly 2,200 households in 35 fully affordable housing buildings across the Bronx and Upper Manhattan. Participating properties include affordable and Section 8 housing operated by selected nonprofit housing organizations.
Unlike an individual discount that a senior can request from any provider, Liberty Link is connected to participating buildings.
Seniors who live in affordable housing should ask:
- Their building manager
- A property management representative
- Their resident services coordinator
- Their supportive housing provider
Residents should ask whether their building participates, when service is available and whether enrollment is required.
Participating Liberty Link tenants may also have access to Neighborhood Tech Help, which provides assistance with connecting to the internet, using technology and navigating online resources.
3. Reduced-Cost Internet Through the New York Affordable Broadband Act
The New York Affordable Broadband Act requires many internet service providers in the state to offer reduced-cost plans to qualifying households.
Depending on the provider, an eligible household may be offered:
- Internet service costing no more than $15 per month with download speeds of at least 25 Mbps, or
- A higher-speed plan costing no more than $20 per month with download speeds of at least 200 Mbps
A provider is not necessarily required to offer both options. Covered reduced-cost plans cannot require additional bundles, taxes or equipment fees. Some smaller internet providers may be exempt from the law.
Who May Qualify?
A household may qualify if someone participates in a program such as:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP
- Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption, or SCRIE
- Disability Rent Increase Exemption, or DRIE
- Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP
- A qualifying utility affordability program
- Free or reduced-price school lunch
Households that do not participate in one of these programs may still qualify based on income, depending on the provider and plan.
How to Find a Reduced-Cost Plan
To begin:
- Identify the internet providers that serve the senior’s address.
- Visit or contact each provider.
- Ask specifically about its Affordable Broadband Act plan, low-cost internet plan or reduced-cost broadband plan.
- Ask what documentation is required.
- Confirm the full monthly cost, speed and included equipment before enrolling.
New York City residents can call 311 and ask for information about low-cost internet. Residents outside New York City can call 211 for enrollment guidance and local digital-inclusion resources.
Seniors who receive Medicaid may want to have a current Medicaid benefit letter or other proof of enrollment available when contacting a provider.
4. The Federal Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of telephone or internet service for eligible households.
Qualifying households can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month on internet, telephone or a bundled service from a participating company. Only one standard Lifeline benefit is generally allowed per household.
Lifeline does not necessarily make home internet completely free. The amount remaining after the discount depends on the provider and selected plan.
Who Qualifies for Lifeline?
A household may qualify if the senior or another household member participates in:
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- Supplemental Security Income, or SSI
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
- Certain project-based rental assistance programs
- Public housing
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit programs
A household may also qualify based on income. For 2026, standard Lifeline eligibility is generally available to households with income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The 2026 income limit is:
- $21,546 for a one-person household
- $29,214 for a two-person household
- $36,882 for a three-person household
- $44,550 for a four-person household
Limits increase for larger households.
How to Apply for Lifeline
Seniors can apply:
- Online through the Lifeline application system
- With help from a participating phone or internet company
- By mailing a completed application to the Lifeline Support Center
After receiving approval, the applicant must select a participating phone or internet provider and ask the company to apply the benefit.
Before choosing a Lifeline provider, ask:
- What will the monthly bill be after the discount?
- Is a modem or router included?
- Are there installation or activation fees?
- Does the plan have a data limit?
- Is there a contract?
- What happens if the senior changes providers?
- Can the benefit be applied to an existing low-cost plan?
Lifeline eligibility may be reviewed annually. Participants should respond to any recertification notice by the stated deadline to avoid losing the benefit.
5. Free Internet at New York Public Libraries
Public libraries are among the most dependable options for seniors who need occasional internet access but do not have service at home.
All New York City public library locations offer free Wi-Fi during their regular hours. Many branches also have public computers that visitors can use.
Library internet and computer access may help a senior:
- Check email
- Complete a benefits application
- Access a Medicaid or Social Security account
- Attend an online appointment
- Search for local services
- Print or scan documents
- Communicate with family members
- Learn how to use a computer or mobile device
Library policies, computer time limits and printing fees may vary by location.
Outside New York City, seniors should contact their local public library and ask about:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Public computer access
- Mobile hotspot lending
- Tablet or laptop lending
- Technology classes
- One-on-one assistance
- Printing and scanning services
6. LinkNYC and Other Public Wi-Fi Locations
LinkNYC kiosks provide free public Wi-Fi in all five boroughs. Kiosks may also provide free phone calls, device charging and access to maps, directions and certain city services.
Free or limited public Wi-Fi may also be available at:
- New York City public libraries
- Certain New York City parks
- Older adult centers
- Community centers
- Municipal buildings
- Public computer centers
- Participating nonprofit organizations
Public Wi-Fi can be useful for basic internet browsing, directions and communication. However, seniors should be cautious when entering sensitive information over an unfamiliar public network.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access:
- Online banking
- Credit card accounts
- Social Security information
- Medicaid or Medicare accounts
- Medical records
- Tax information
When possible, use a trusted home network or another secure connection for accounts containing financial, health or identity information.
For additional guidance, review Eagle Eye Home Care’s Online Privacy Tips for Seniors.
7. Free Technology Training for Seniors
Affordable internet is most useful when an older adult also feels comfortable using a computer, smartphone or tablet.
Senior Planet from AARP offers free in-person technology classes at partner locations throughout all five New York City boroughs. Topics can include computer basics, smartphone use, tablets, online safety and other digital skills. Personalized one-on-one technology assistance is also available.
The New York Public Library’s TechConnect program provides free in-person and online technology classes for adults. Its Neighborhood Tech Help program also offers individual assistance with common technology questions.
Seniors can also ask their local:
- Older adult center
- Public library
- Naturally Occurring Retirement Community program
- Housing resident-services office
- Senior center
- Community-based organization
These organizations may provide device assistance, internet training or help completing online applications.
What Happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program, commonly called the ACP, previously provided eligible households with a monthly internet discount.
The ACP ended on June 1, 2024, after federal funding was exhausted. It is no longer accepting applications or providing monthly ACP credits.
Seniors should be cautious of websites, advertisements or callers claiming they can still enroll someone in the federal ACP.
Current programs to investigate instead include:
- Big Apple Connect
- Liberty Link
- The New York Affordable Broadband Act
- Lifeline
- Library and public Wi-Fi services
The Affordable Broadband Act and Lifeline are separate from the former ACP and have their own eligibility and enrollment requirements.
Documents Seniors May Need
The documentation required will depend on the program, but it may be helpful to gather:
- A government-issued identification document
- Proof of the current home address
- A Medicaid benefit or enrollment letter
- A SNAP, SSI or housing-assistance notice
- A Social Security benefit statement
- A recent tax return
- Pay stubs or other proof of income
- A NYCHA lease or housing document
- A SCRIE, DRIE, HEAP or utility-affordability notice
- A recent internet bill
Lifeline applicants may be asked to provide a benefit letter, statement of benefits, tax return or other current documentation showing program participation or household income.
Only submit personal documents through an official government application, a known internet provider or a trusted community organization.
How Family Caregivers Can Help
A family caregiver, personal assistant or other trusted person can help an older adult:
- Identify which programs may apply
- Check whether the senior’s building participates in a free internet program
- Gather current eligibility documents
- Compare providers and plans
- Complete an online or mailed application
- Set up the modem and router
- Create secure passwords
- Recognize suspicious advertisements and scams
- Review the first bill for unexpected charges
Before enrolling a senior in any plan, confirm:
- The complete monthly price
- Whether taxes and equipment are included
- Whether the price is permanent or promotional
- Whether a contract is required
- Whether there is an installation fee
- Whether there are data limits
- How the plan can be canceled
- What happens if the senior moves
- Whether accessible customer support is available
A caregiver should also make sure the provider has permission to discuss the account with them when ongoing assistance will be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is free internet available to every senior in New York?
No. There is not a universal free-internet program based only on a person’s age. Free home internet is generally connected to participating housing developments. Other seniors may qualify for reduced-cost service based on income or participation in programs such as Medicaid, SNAP or SSI.
Does Medicaid qualify a senior for free internet in New York?
Medicaid can help establish eligibility for reduced-cost internet under the New York Affordable Broadband Act and for the federal Lifeline program. Medicaid does not automatically make every available internet plan free. The final cost depends on the program, provider and plan.
Is there a general senior discount for internet service?
Some providers may offer their own discounts, but there is no universal New York internet discount based solely on age. Seniors are more likely to qualify through income, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, public housing or another assistance program.
Can NYCHA residents get free internet?
Residents of participating NYCHA developments may qualify for free internet and basic cable through Big Apple Connect. The program has been extended through June 2028.
Can a household qualify for both Lifeline and a New York reduced-cost plan?
The programs have separate eligibility rules, so a household may qualify for both. However, that does not guarantee that the discounts can be combined on the same plan. Ask the internet provider whether Lifeline can be applied to its Affordable Broadband Act or other reduced-cost offering.
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program still available?
No. The federal ACP ended on June 1, 2024, and is no longer accepting applications or providing monthly discounts.
Where can seniors use free Wi-Fi in New York City?
Free Wi-Fi is available at public libraries and LinkNYC kiosks. Wi-Fi may also be available at certain parks, older adult centers, community organizations and public computer centers.
What documents are needed to apply for discounted internet?
Depending on the program, an applicant may need identification, proof of address, proof of household income or documentation showing participation in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, public housing or another qualifying program.
Where can a senior get help applying?
New York City residents can call 311 and ask about low-cost internet. Residents outside the city can call 211. Public libraries, older adult centers, housing resident-services offices and community organizations may also help seniors identify programs or complete applications.
Staying Connected and Independent in New York
Reliable internet access can make it easier for older New Yorkers to stay connected, manage benefits, attend telehealth appointments and communicate with family members and caregivers.
The best program will depend on where the senior lives, which benefits the household receives and which internet providers serve the address. Checking housing-based programs, the New York Affordable Broadband Act and Lifeline can help seniors and caregivers identify the most affordable available option.
Internet access is only one part of helping an older adult remain safely and independently at home. Seniors who receive Medicaid and need assistance with daily activities may also qualify for home care through New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program.
Through CDPAP, eligible consumers can select and direct their own personal assistants, which may include certain family members or trusted individuals. Learn more about what CDPAP is, review CDPAP eligibility requirements or explore additional CDPAP resources for New York consumers and family caregivers.
Eagle Eye Home Care does not administer Big Apple Connect, Liberty Link, Lifeline or the New York Affordable Broadband Act. Program availability, eligibility requirements and plan details should be confirmed directly with the applicable government agency, housing provider or internet service provider.
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