Everything you need to know about Internet Essentials by Comcast

Having a reliable internet connection is critical today. Families need a way to work and learn online, as well as access necessary services and resources. Comcast’s Xfinity offers Internet Essentials, a low-cost, high-speed internet plan available to families in financial need, helping to address the digital divide. Keep reading to learn how Internet Essentials works and how you can qualify today.

How Xfinity Internet Essentials works

Internet Essentials is a low-cost internet service offered by Comcast, also known as Xfinity. Internet Essentials was founded in 2011 and has since served more than 10 million low-income households for over 10 years, according to Comcast.

The basic plan costs just $9.95/mo. for download speeds of 50 Mbps, with Internet Essentials Plus offering 100 Mbps speeds for $29.95/mo.

The price includes equipment and there is no credit check required. If you need to cancel, you won’t need to worry about fees.

However, Internet Essentials isn’t available to everyone. To be eligible, you’ll have to qualify for certain government assistance programs and live in an area that Comcast serves.

Who qualifies for Xfinity’s Internet Essentials?

Internet Essentials is intended to bring affordable high-speed internet to families that need it. To be eligible for Internet Essentials, you must qualify for one of several government programs such as:

• Medicaid
• Public housing
• SNAP
• TANF
• SSI
• NSLP/Head Start
• LIHEAP
• WIC
• Federal Pell Grant
• VA pension
• Tribal assistance

When you apply for Internet Essentials, you’ll have to provide an eligibility letter from one of these programs or another document to confirm your eligibility. You’ll also need to live in an area where Comcast Internet service is available and not have had a Comcast Internet plan in the past 90 days.

What the Internet Essentials application process is like?

To apply for Internet Essentials, here are the steps you’ll have to follow:

1. Make sure you qualify. Visit the Internet Essentials website to make sure you meet one of the eligibility requirements.
2. Fill out your online application. You can easily sign up from your computer or mobile device. If you provide the required documentation, you may be instantly approved.
3. Get approved. You’ll find out via text message, email or paper mail if you’re approved. If Comcast needs additional documentation for you, you’ll be able to take a picture and upload it to your application.
4. Get online. Once you’ve been approved, your internet connection can be up and running within five to seven business days. You’ll receive an internet modem and Wi-Fi router with step-by-step instructions.

The application can only be completed online. If you don’t currently have access to the internet, you can use a smartphone or the internet connection at a local library to apply. If necessary, you can take a break from your application and come back to it later.

Get a discounted laptop through Internet Essentials

In addition to low-cost internet, Internet Essentials also comes with other benefits for its customers. When you sign up, you’ll have the option to purchase a discounted computer for $149.99 through a Comcast partner. You can choose between computers such as a Google Chromebook and Dell Latitude, which you can order through the Internet Essentials website.

Learn more about Internet Essentials

Thanks to Comcast’s Internet Essentials, internet service doesn’t have to be a significant cost burden for American families. As long as you live in a Comcast service area and meet the qualification requirements, you can receive internet service for just $9.95/mo

You can also take advantage of other perks, such as a discounted computer and a temporary internet subsidy. To get started, visit the Internet Essentials website.

Check out our low-income internet guide to find more help with your internet expenses.