How to Get Cheap Cable TV for Low Income

If you’re looking for cheap cable TV for low income households, there may be ways to get the channels you love without overspending. Cable providers typically don’t provide specific low income programs, but we have found a lot of tips and tricks that can help you get the channels you love for a much lower price. Let’s reveal how you can secure affordable cable plans and maximize savings.

Cheap Cable TV for Low Income

Even though cable prices have skyrocketed in recent years, some providers still offer budget-friendly plans. Here are a few of the best ways to get cheap cable TV for low income households:

• Pluto TV offers hundreds of live TV channels and on-demand movies for free. Watch now.
• Xfinity’s Internet + TV Bundles – Xfinity offers special internet pricing for qualifying low-income families through its Internet Essentials program. They also offer a Now TV subscription for just $20 per month as well.
• Spectrum TV Select Signature provides over 150 channels for $95 per month. This rate includes streaming services like Disney+, Paramount and Max as well.
• Astound TV offers packages that range from $20-$40 depending on your location. This cost does nto include equipment, taxes or fees. Start here.
• Cox TV Starter Package – Cox Communications has a low-cost starter TV package with essential local channels and a few popular networks. It costs just $71 for 75 channels. This rate includes streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video and Peacock as well.

These are just a sample of the cheapest cable TV plans we were able to find for low income people. You will need to check with the providers in your area to see if they offer any low cost plans near you.

If you prefer, you may also be able to stream your favorite TV shows for free directly from your favorite channels. For example, CW provides streaming on their website.

How to Get a Better Price on Cable

Some people falsely claim that Lifeline or even LIHEAP will help pay your cable bill. That is not true. Lifeline can pay a small amount toward your internet or phone bill. If you bundle your internet or phone with your cable bill, then technically Lifeline may be applied to that bundle but it is not intended to cover the cable portion of your bill. LIHEAP exclusively pays your heating or cooling bills so it doesn’t cover cable either.

That being said, there are still ways to get cheap cable TV for low income people. We’ve found several strategies you can use to lower your costs, from negotiating with your provider to taking advantage of special promotions and discounts. Many cable companies offer hidden deals, loyalty discounts, and price adjustments if you know how to ask.

Whether you’re considering switching providers, bundling services, or simply calling to request a better rate, these insider tips can help you keep more money in your pocket while still enjoying your favorite channels.

1. Start the Cancellation Process

One of the easiest ways to lower your bill is to pretend you’re canceling. Many providers have a “customer retention” department that offers exclusive discounts to keep you from leaving. These teams often have access to exclusive discounts, promotional rates, and better deals that aren’t advertised to the public. It is a great way to discover what their real “best price” is for your service!

If you’re serious about lowering your costs, call your provider and explain that the price is too high and you’re considering canceling. Be polite but firm. You may have to jump through some hoops before they route you to the customer retention department.

If they don’t immediately offer a discount, ask if there are any current promotions, loyalty discounts, or alternative plans that would better fit your budget. In many cases, they’ll offer you a lower rate, free channels, or waived fees just to keep you as a customer!

2. Take Advantage of Holiday Deals

Cable providers run some of their best promotions during major shopping seasons, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, back-to-school season, and even around tax refund time. These are the best chances to score cheap cable TV. The deals often include deeply discounted rates, free premium channels, or lower-cost bundles for new customers. If you’re looking to switch providers or negotiate your current plan, waiting for these seasonal promotions can help you lock in a better deal.

Many companies also offer limited-time online-only deals, which can sometimes be better than what’s available in-store or over the phone. If you’re considering signing up for a new service, check their website for special promotions. You can also use these seasonal deals as leverage when negotiating with your current provider—mentioning competitor offers may encourage them to match or beat the price.

3. Switch Providers to Get a Better Price

If your cable bill has gone up and your provider refuses to offer a better deal, it may be time to switch providers. Many cable companies offer introductory discounts for new customers, allowing you to get a lower rate simply by changing providers. These deals often include lower monthly rates, free installation, or premium channels at no extra cost.

Even better, some companies offer contract buyouts, which means they’ll pay off your early termination fees if you’re stuck in a contract with another provider. This makes it easier to take advantage of their cheap cable TV offers without worrying about costly cancellation fees. Before making the move, check to see what promotions are available in your area and compare deals to ensure you’re getting the best price possible.

4. Negotiate Your Bill

Most people don’t realize that cable bills are negotiable. Providers often have room to lower your rate, especially if you mention competitor offers or express concerns about affordability. Call your cable company and ask if there are any loyalty discounts, promotional rates, or reduced-cost packages available. Sometimes, just asking can result in instant savings.

If your provider isn’t budging, come prepared with competitor pricing to use as leverage. Mentioning a better deal from another company may encourage them to match or beat the offer. If you qualify for low income assistance programs, make sure to mention that and ask if they offer special pricing. Many companies have unadvertised discounts for seniors, veterans, and low income households, but they won’t always tell you unless you ask!

5. Bundle Services for Extra Savings

If you need both internet and TV, bundling your services can often lead to significant savings. Many cable providers offer discounts when you combine multiple services, reducing your overall bill. Some bundles also come with additional perks, such as free streaming subscriptions, premium channels, or faster internet speeds at no extra cost.

Before committing to a bundle, compare prices and make sure you’re only paying for what you actually use. Some bundles include channels or features you don’t need, so ask about customizable packages that better fit your budget. Also, check to see if there are any hidden fees that might make the bundle more expensive in the long run. If you already have separate internet and cable services, call your provider and ask if bundling could lower your bill—you might be surprised at how much you can save!

Consider Alternatives

If traditional cable is still too expensive, there are plenty of free and low-cost alternatives to watch your favorite shows.

1. Use an Antenna for Free Local Channels

A digital TV antenna can pick up local channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PBS—for free! Many major events, including NFL games and award shows, air on local channels.

2. Get Free Streaming Services

Some streaming platforms are completely free with ads or offer special discounts:

• Pluto TV – Hundreds of live TV channels and on-demand movies for free.
• Tubi TV – Free movies and shows with ad support.
• Peacock Free Tier – NBC’s streaming service with free content.

For more options, check out our list of free and cheap low income streaming services.

3. Take Advantage of EBT Discounts

If you have an EBT or Medicaid card, you can get Amazon Prime for just $6.99 per month (instead of $14.99). This includes access to Prime Video, which has thousands of movies and TV shows. Sign up here.

Walmart also offers an EBT discount on their subscription service, which includes access to Paramount Plus.

4. Consider a Live TV Streaming Service

If you still want live TV but need a cheaper option than cable, consider:

• Sling TV has plans starting at just $45 per month.
• Philo offers 70+ channels starting at $28/month.
• YouTube TV offers live TV from 100+ channels for just $70 per month.
• Hulu Live offers live TV access with Disney, Hulu and ESPN access starting at around $83 per month.

Pro Tip: Many streaming services offer free trials. Rotate between them to watch content for free!

Relief Recap

Cable TV doesn’t have to be a budget breaker. We’ve found several ways to get cheap cable TV for low income people, including by negotiating with your provider, taking advantage of holiday promotions, and switching companies for better deals. If cable is still too expensive, consider free TV options like antennas, streaming services, and Amazon’s EBT discount for Prime Video.