Understanding the AARP Secondary Member Benefit
One of the most valuable, and perhaps least known, features of an AARP membership is the ability to add a second person from your household for free. While AARP is popularly associated with individuals 50 and over, anyone 18 or older can join and receive many benefits. This inclusive policy extends to the free secondary membership, which is perfect for parents who want to share discounts and resources with their adult children.
How to Add Your Son to Your AARP Account
The process for adding a secondary member is straightforward and can be completed online. Following these steps will ensure your son can start enjoying the benefits of AARP membership as soon as possible:
- Log in to your AARP Online Account: Visit aarp.org and sign in with your primary membership credentials.
- Navigate to 'My Account': Once logged in, click on the "My Account" section, which is typically found in the top navigation bar.
- Access 'Account Details': Within your account dashboard, find and click on the 'Account Details' tab.
- Edit Personal Information: Look for the section titled 'Personal Information' and find the 'Spouse/Partner' field, and click the 'Edit' button.
- Enter Your Son's Details: Fill in the required information for your son, including his name and contact information. Be sure to save your changes.
- Confirmation and Card: AARP will automatically send a membership card to your son within a few weeks. He can also create his own online account to access a digital card and manage his preferences.
Benefits Your Son Can Access
As a secondary member, your son gains access to a wide array of discounts and resources. While some benefits, particularly certain insurance products, are age-restricted and available only to members 50 or older, many valuable perks are available to all adult members.
A Side-by-Side Comparison of AARP Benefits
| Benefit Category | Available to Primary Member (50+) | Available to Secondary Member (18+) |
|---|---|---|
| Discounts (Travel, Dining, Retail) | Yes | Yes |
| AARP Magazine & Bulletin | Yes | Yes |
| Fraud Watch Network | Yes | Yes |
| AARP Driver Safety Course Discounts | Yes | Yes |
| Financial Resources | Yes | Yes |
| AARP Endorsed Health Insurance (Medicare) | Yes | Limited (Age-restricted) |
| AARP Endorsed Auto & Home Insurance | Yes | Limited (Age-restricted) |
| AARP Rewards Program | Yes | Yes |
What if Your Son Doesn't Live with You?
If your son is an adult but no longer resides in your household, he is not eligible to be added as a secondary member to your existing account. In this scenario, your son can still become an AARP member independently. Anyone aged 18 or older can join AARP on their own. Membership fees are affordable, and new members can often find special introductory offers. This independent membership ensures he gets access to most benefits, allowing him to take advantage of discounts and resources from his own account.
Why Sharing an AARP Membership Can Be Beneficial
Sharing your membership is a practical way to extend a valuable resource to your family at no extra cost. For an adult son, especially one who is a student or just starting their career, the discounts on travel, restaurants, and tech can be very helpful. It also grants him access to important educational content on finances, fraud prevention, and wellness. This shared membership encourages proactive financial planning and health awareness, fostering a stronger sense of family support and connection through shared benefits.
Conclusion
In summary, adding your adult son to your AARP membership is a simple and free process, as long as he lives in the same household. This allows both of you to take advantage of the extensive discounts and resources AARP offers. For sons who have moved out, the option to obtain their own affordable membership ensures they don't miss out on the valuable perks. By leveraging this family-friendly benefit, you can extend the reach of your membership and provide your loved ones with access to a wide range of savings and resources for years to come. For more information on member benefits, you can visit the official AARP website at https://www.aarp.org/membership/.
