Seniors who are 65 years and above tend to watch television for long hours due to various reasons. To start with, watching the TV enables them to keep boredom at bay. Besides this, it allows them to know what is happening around the world. Thankfully, cable TV service providers now allow this demographic to remain entertained from the comfort of their homes. In fact, some cable TV providers offer budget-friendly plans for low income seniors so that they can remain entertained less expensively. Here, with as low as $20 per month, you can be sure that you will watch many channels on your cable TV. In this article, we shall discuss how low income seniors can enjoy cable TV, its benefits to them, the associated costs, carriers that offer cable TV, and much more.
Senior Citizens Face Challenges In Accessing Cable TV Services
There are many challenges that seniors face whenever they want to enjoy cable TV services. These problems include:
- Some seniors earn a low income and thus cannot afford to pay for a full TV package from most service providers.
- Lack of knowledge when it comes to cable TV providers. Here, the senior might not be able to know the various features to look out for a choosing a cable TV service provider.
- Some seniors are not aware that different carriers offer different offers that can help reduce their cable TV bill significantly.
- Failure to know the various channels one can watch on a certain cable TV package.
Benefits Of Cable TV To Seniors
Cable TV offers an array of benefits to seniors living in the United States. Some of these benefits include:
- It allows them to remain updated with the current happening within their state and beyond.
- It allows them to get informed as they can now watch documentaries and other helpful programs from time to time.
- The cable TV keeps the senior entertained as they will be able to watch different shows, music channels and so much more. This way, they will hardly grapple with boredom.
- It bring back old memories especially when they watch old movies, iconic celebrities, old TV shows, and so much more.
- Depending on your preferred cable TV provider, you might have a chance to watch tons of HD channels. This way, the senior will have the luxury to choose different channels depending on his or her preference.
- It helps to keep their minds active as they will be watching something new nearly daily.
- Since the senior will not have to depend on internet connection to watch his or her favorite TV channel, you can be sure that the senior will enjoy more convenience. Such is the case if the senior lives in a remote rural area or in an area that does not have a good internet connection.
Affordable Cable TV Option For Low Income Seniors
If you are operating on a budget, be certain that you can now enjoy affordable cable TV option via a number of ways. Some of the popular ways that you can consider include:
1. Government sponsored programs
Since some carrier allow you to bundle your internet and cable TV services, be certain that you can now lower your bill by combining or bundling these services. When it comes to internet service, its bill can greatly be reduced if you have applied for the Lifeline or ACP facility.
For instance, if you have applied for the Lifeline program, you will be able to enjoy discounts of up to $9.25 if you live on non-Tribal lands. In case you reside on Tribal lands, you will be able to enjoy discounts of up to $25. Depending on your Lifeline carrier of choice, be certain that you save more bucks.
Apart from the Lifeline program, you can now apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program and be able to save more dollars on your bundled internet and cable TV service. Here, you stand the chance to get a discount of up to $30 if you reside on non-Tribal lands and up to $75 if you live on Tribal lands. Suppose you bundle up your internet and cable TV service, you will no longer strain your budget.
2. Discounted packages from providers
Besides applying for a government sponsored program such as ACP and Lifeline, you can enjoy affordable cable TV service by asking for discounted packages from different service providers.
The good news is that some carriers are ready to offer a discount on certain cable TV packages offered to seniors. However, you must prove that you earn a low income and you truly need to enjoy an affordable cable TV services.
3. Non-profit Organizations
Depending on where you live, consider looking for non-profit organizations that can help you enjoy an affordable cable TV services. This will help your senior to save more on his or her cable TV bills.
Way To Apply For Affordable Cable TV
By now, you are sure that you can get an affordable cable TV service and save more money. For instance, if you are a beneficiary of a government sponsored program such as Lifeline or Affordable Connectivity, there are certain eligibility requirements that you should meet. Additionally, you need to submit certain documents so that your application can be approved. In the subsequent section, we shall discuss these facets in details so that you can know them better:
1. Eligibility Criteria
If you choose to apply for the Lifeline program, you should ensure that your income stands at or is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. In case you fail to qualify via the low income criteria, know that you can qualify for the Lifeline program if you are a participant of a government assistance program such as:
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pensions and Survivors Benefit
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income(SSI)
Better still, you stand the chance to enjoy Lifeline benefits if you live on Tribal lands and enjoy any of the programs mentioned below:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Suppose you want to lower your cable TV bill via ACP, you should ensure that your income stands at or is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Apart from meeting the low income criteria, you can also be eligible for the ACP facility if you are a beneficiary of a government assistance program such as:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Supplemental Security Income(SSI)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP)
Besides the above-mentioned programs, be certain that you can now qualify for ACP if you live in Tribal lands and enjoy any of the following programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Head Start
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
2. Required Documentation
When applying for either Lifeline or ACP, you will be required to submit copies of your personal and eligibility documents so that you can prove your identity and eligibility status respectively. To prove your identity, ensure that you submit copies of any of the following documents:
- A permanent resident card or Green card
- A passport
- A birth certificate
- A government-issued, state, Tribal or military ID
- Your U.S driver’s license
- Your lease or mortgage documents
- Your W-2 or tax return(Ensure that you submit the recent copies)
- Your utility bill
Besides the personal documents that we have mentioned above, you need to submit copies of your eligibility documents so that your application can see the light of day. When it comes these documents, you need to submit a copy of a document that shows that your income stands at or is below 135% or 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Here are the documents that can prove that you earn a low income:
- A copy of your Veterans administration statement of benefits
- A copy of your paycheck stub
- A copy of your current income statement from your employer
- A copy of your Tribal or Federal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- A copy of your child support award
- A copy of your child support award
If you are a beneficiary of a government assistance program such as SSI, Section 8, WIC, Medicaid or another program, consider submitting a copy of any of the following documents:
- Statement of benefits
- Approval letter
- Benefit verification letter
- Benefit award letter
3. Application process
When applying for either the Lifeline or ACP, you can either choose to do it online, via mail or through your desired service provider. To put this into perspective, here are the methods that can help you get started:
1. Apply via the online method
This method s more convenient as you can apply for either Lifeline or ACP facility from the comfort of your home. If you want to apply for either of these program via the online method, follow these steps:
- Suppose you want to apply for the Lifeline program, consider visiting “nv.fcc.gov/lifeline” in the first place. However, if you want to apply for the ACP facility via online method, visit “nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?id=nv_flow&ebbp=true”.
- Enter your state or territory in the field that you will see on your screen and then tap on the ‘Get Started’ button.
- Log in with your account details and you will be redirected to a page where you will start the actual application process.
- Enter the much-needed details on the application form and then attach copies of your personal and eligibility documents.
- Check and confirm that everything is correct and then tap on the ‘Submit’ button.
2. Apply through mail
If you want to apply for the Lifeline program, visit “lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf” and then download the application form. On the other hand, if you want to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, visit “affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf” and download the application form in its English format.
Suppose you are applying for the ACP facility, you will be required to download a Household Worksheet. To download this worksheet, visit “affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf”.
Once you have these two forms at hand, fill them and then attach copies of your personal or eligibility document. Thereafter, confirm that everything is correct and then mail the package to this address; PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
3. Apply via your preferred Lifeline or ACP provider
As we speak, we have many carriers that offer Lifeline and ACP programs to all eligible customers. If you want to apply for either of these programs, consider choosing your preferred carrier first and then ensure that it operates in your state. In case the carrier has better Lifeline or ACP offer, start the application process right away.
When applying for any of these programs, ensure that you key in the correct personal details and then attach copies of your personal and eligibility documents. Check and ensure that all the details are correct. Thereafter, tap on the ‘submit’ button and then let the carrier’s team to review your application.
If your application gets approved, you will get discounts on your monthly internet bill from the beginning of the next month’s billing cycle. If you had bundled your cable TV and internet service, you will not have to dig deeper into your pocket in order to clear it.
Carriers That Offer Cable TV For Low Income Seniors
Some of the carriers that offer cable TV for low income seniors include:
- Xfinity
- Spectrum
- Cox
- Mediacom
- Optimum
- AT&T
- DISH TV
Average Cost Of Cable TV For Seniors?
In most cases, the average price a senior can expect to pay for him or her to enjoy Cable TV is $50 on a monthly basis. Typically, this is the average cost of a basic cable TV package. Unlike other packages, this one does not come with many channels. Here, you will only be able to enjoy your local channels and few international channels if any.
However, if you want a TV package with a number of perks, and several HD channels, you need to pay between $60 and $90.The price of your cable TV package will largely be informed by your preferred TV package as well as your desired service provider.
Choosing The Most Suitable TV Provider For Low Income Seniors
With the proliferation of cable TV service providers, choosing the right TV service provider for your senior might be a daunting task. However, we shall compile some of the vital considerations that you should make so that you can make an informed decision. Some of the considerations that you should be keen to check include:
1. Check whether the service provider offers discounts
Although there are some seniors who might be able to afford paying tor Cable TV packages upfront, there are some who might have to strain their budgets in order to make these payments. This is the reason why your cable TV service provider of choice should offer discounts to seniors out there.
Here, you can ask for a discount or a special offer that can help low income seniors to save more bucks. If your preferred cable TV service provider of choice offers these discounts, be certain that your senior will be able to get value for his or her hard-earned money.
2. Compare the prices charged by different providers
If you are looking for an affordable cable TV service provider, there is a need for you to choose one that charges budget-friendly prices for all its TV packages. To get it right, you need to compare the prices charged by different carriers and then choose the one that charges pocket-friendly prices.
3. Check the channels offered by your service provider
Different cable TV service providers offer different channels on their TV packages. For optimal results, you should ensure that you choose a service provider whose TV packages has all the channels you want the senior to enjoy.
To put this into perspective, your preferred carrier should offer both national and local TV channels. With these channels in place, the senior will be able to watch the latest news in real time.
Additionally, the service provider should offer TV packages that have a number of entertainment channels such as CBS, Hallmark, HGTV among others. The more the channels the senior can watch, the better the cable TV service provider.
4. Is there an option for bundling your cable and internet service?
Since we are in the information age, your senior might be prompted to bundle internet and cable TV service together. After all, this allows the senior to save more dollars in the long run. The good news is that there are some service providers that allow you to bundle these services and save more. In fact, you are likely to enjoy more discounts once you bundle these services together. If your service provider allows you to enjoy this luxury, then go for it.
5. Installation fees
Besides the above-mentioned considerations, you need to check the installation fees that the senior is likely to incur for him or her to enjoy cable TV in his or her home. Since your senior comes from a low income household, you need to choose a carrier that does not charge high installation fees. More importantly, choose a service provider that does not charge hidden fees when it comes to installing cable TV in your home.
6. Does the service provider offer a good customer service?
Sometimes, your senior might experience issues with the cable TV back at home. For instance, some channels might be scrambled or might be airing clearly. Other times, the channels might be absent for not good reason.
In this case, the senior should be able to address this issue seamlessly by contacting the carrier’s customer service team. The customer service team should be ready to address some of these issues right away so that the senior can enjoy more convenience. More importantly, the customer service team should be available 24/7 and should not be lousy.
Tips On How To Lower Your Cable TV Bill
It is no secret that cable TV bill can escalate unawares. If this happens, you might end up digging deeper into your pocket so that you can enjoy watching various TV channels in your home. However, you can be able to reduce this bill and save more dollars. The following are some of the tips that can help reduce your cable TV bill significantly:
1. Ask for a discount from your service provider
If you feel that you are paying a high cable TV bill, consider asking your carrier for a discount. Thankfully, there are some service providers that offer discounts to both new and existing customers.
This way, they will be able to retain their customers in the near future. To negotiate with your service provider, consider calling its customer service team on phone or even chat with them online on the carrier’s official website. If you are a low income senior, you might be lucky to get a deal that cannot be found elsewhere.
2. Look out for a bundle deal
Besides negotiating with your service provider, you can considerer combining your internet bill and the cable TV bill. Like we mentioned above, most carriers offer discounts to customers who choose to bundle these services instead of paying for them separately.
Besides getting the much-needed discount, if you bundle the cable TV service with your internet service, be certain that you will get some additional perks such as the ability to stream your service free of charge. Moreover, you will enjoy premium channels, free installation services and so much more. Consequently, you will be able to save more money unknowingly.
3. Redeem any pre-approved offers
Sometimes, you might have obtained a pre-approved offers via mail but were not enjoying cable TV service. Instead of disposing these offers, consider redeeming them and you will be able to lower your cable TV bill. Whether it is installation costs, equipment fees, or your selected TV package, there are many components whose bill can be reduced, thereby allowing you to get value for your money.
4. Look out for promotional deals
Since cable TV service providers have increased tenfold in the recent past, different carriers are now offering impressive deals to customers in order to lure them. Check the different promotional deals offered by these carriers and then choose the one that suits your budget-needs. In fact, you can go to Google and then look out for the best cable TV service provider that offers the best deals within your locality.
5. Consider choosing the basic cable TV package
If you are operating on a budget, the last thing that you want to experience is being subjected to a high cable TV bill on a monthly basis. To keep these costs at the bare minimum, consider choosing the basic cable TV package. After all, most of these packages allows you to watch local and national news. Additionally, you might be lucky to find a few channels offering entertainment from time to time.
5. Reduce the number of cable boxes in your home
The more the number of cable boxes you have at home, the higher the likelihood of paying a higher cable TV bill. To lower this bill significantly, ensure that you reduce the number of these cable boxes and only remain with a one. For instance, if you had a cable box in your kitchen, bedroom and another one in your sitting room, just have one in your living space and you will save more money.
6. Cancel premium channels once the trial period has lapsed
If you have just started enjoying the services of a new cable service provider, you might be lucky to watch free premium channels free of charge. Other times, you might have upgraded your current TV package and managed to get additional premium channels free of charge.
In most cases, these channels are only aired for a limited period of time. After that period, you will be required to pay for them. To be on the safe side, consider canceling these channels before their trial period comes to an end. This way, you will be able to lower your cable TV bill more effectively.
7. Do away with DVR
There are certain cable TV service providers who allow you to enjoy DVR free of charge. However, some might charge you for enjoying it. In case you are not interesting in DVR services, do away with it and you will be able to save between $15 and $20 on a monthly basis.
8. Consider auto-pay whenever you want to clear your monthly bill
Apart from the above-mentioned ideas, consider clearing your cable TV bill via auto-pay. All you need to do is to sign up for it and you will be able to save up to $10 per month. Although this might look negligible, it might be significant if you will be paying your bill for the next couple of months or years.
9. Avoid signing long-term contracts
For you to enjoy cable TV services, your carrier of choice might ask you to sign a long-term contract. Although this might not have implications in the short run, you might experience difficulties anytime you want to switch service providers. If you try to terminate your contract before due date, you might incur additional charges. To be on the safe side, ensure that you are allowed to cancel your service at any time you please without essentially having to be penalized. This can still help reduce your bill by a large margin.
