Do AARP members get a Verizon discount?
While Verizon does not offer a specific discount directly in partnership with AARP, members can still explore other potential savings opportunities through the carrier. AARP’s benefits, particularly for telecommunications, often apply to other carriers like Consumer Cellular, where members can find exclusive pricing. Therefore, if your primary goal is to leverage your AARP membership for a cell phone plan discount, Verizon may not be your best option. However, if you are committed to Verizon, you can still investigate their other discount programs.
Verizon's discount programs and senior offerings
Verizon offers its own set of discount programs that are separate from AARP benefits. These include targeted offers for specific groups and a highly restrictive senior plan. The most notable senior-related offer is the 55+ Unlimited Plan, which comes with a major limitation: it is only available to residents of Florida. If you live in Florida and are at least 55, this plan provides unlimited talk, text, and data, with rates varying for one or two lines. For those outside Florida, there are no nationwide age-based discounts from Verizon, making it essential to look at other options.
Verizon also offers a variety of discounts for specific professions and affiliations, which may be beneficial to some AARP members. These include discounts for:
- First responders, nurses, and teachers
- Military members and veterans
- Employees of eligible corporations or organizations
These discounts are not exclusive to AARP members but may be applicable if you fall into one of the eligible categories. To find out if your employer or professional affiliation qualifies, you can check Verizon's official discount registration page.
Finding discounts through alternative carriers
For AARP members seeking a guaranteed discount, looking at other carriers that have official partnerships with AARP is the most direct path. Consumer Cellular is a prominent example, and they have explicitly designed plans for AARP members.
Consumer Cellular (AARP Partner):
- Monthly discount: AARP members receive a 5% discount on their monthly service.
- Accessory discount: Members get a 30% discount on select accessories.
- Exclusive Plans: Consumer Cellular may offer exclusive plans for AARP members, such as two lines of unlimited talk, text, and data for a specific rate.
T-Mobile (Senior Plans):
- While not an AARP partner, T-Mobile offers competitive 55+ plans nationwide.
- These plans often include unlimited talk, text, and data, with different tiers available.
- The T-Mobile 55+ plans are accessible across the country, unlike Verizon’s Florida-only offer.
Comparison table of mobile plan benefits
| Feature | Verizon (Florida Residents 55+) | Verizon (General Plans) | Consumer Cellular (AARP Member) | T-Mobile (55+ Plans) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP Discount | No | No | Yes (5% monthly, 30% accessories) | No |
| Nationwide Coverage | No (Plan is FL only) | Yes (On other plans) | Yes | Yes |
| Age Requirement | 55+ (Florida Only) | N/A | 50+ to qualify for some benefits | 55+ (Nationwide) |
| Contract Required? | No long-term contracts | No long-term contracts | No long-term contracts | No long-term contracts |
| Network Speed | Limited to 4G LTE on 55+ plan | 4G LTE and 5G available | Runs on major networks (AT&T/T-Mobile) | 5G included on many plans |
| Best For | Florida residents seeking a major carrier senior plan | Customers wanting Verizon's network, regardless of age | AARP members prioritizing discounts with an official partner | Seniors outside Florida looking for nationwide age-based savings |
How to switch providers and verify eligibility
When considering a switch to a carrier like Consumer Cellular, the process is straightforward. First, you will need your AARP membership number to verify your eligibility for the discount. The company allows you to bring your own phone and keep your existing phone number, simplifying the transition. Many carriers, including Verizon and its competitors, have moved away from long-term contracts, which makes changing providers less complicated than it once was. If you decide to move from Verizon, you can cancel your service without a termination fee. However, you should check for any remaining device payments that may become due at that time.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while the answer to “do AARP members get a Verizon discount?” is no for a specific AARP partnership, there are alternative paths to savings. Florida residents can leverage Verizon's exclusive 55+ plan, and others might qualify for military or corporate discounts. For AARP members prioritizing their membership benefits, carriers like Consumer Cellular and T-Mobile offer more direct, nationwide senior discounts. Comparing plans based on coverage needs, data usage, and price is the best way for AARP members to find the most value. For more detailed information on senior-friendly phone plans, refer to articles from trusted sources like The Senior List.
Visit The Senior List for detailed breakdowns of senior cell phone plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there any way for AARP members to get a discount on Verizon? A: No, Verizon does not have a special discount program for AARP members. AARP has partnerships with other mobile carriers, such as Consumer Cellular.
Q: What is the Verizon senior discount? A: Verizon's senior discount, known as the 55+ Unlimited Plan, is only available to new customers aged 55 or older who have a Florida billing address.
Q: What discounts does Verizon offer if not for AARP members? A: Verizon provides a variety of other discount programs for first responders, nurses, teachers, military personnel and veterans, and employees of partner companies.
Q: What are the benefits for AARP members with Consumer Cellular? A: AARP members with Consumer Cellular can receive a 5% discount on monthly service and 30% off select accessories. They also offer exclusive plans for members.
Q: Is Verizon's senior plan a good value? A: For eligible Florida residents, the 55+ plan can be a good value for unlimited 4G LTE data. However, for those outside Florida, comparable or better-priced unlimited plans are available from other providers like T-Mobile.
Q: Can I combine Verizon's 55+ plan with other discounts? A: No, Verizon's 55+ Unlimited Plan generally cannot be combined with other discounts like military, teacher, or first responder offers.
Q: Do I have to pay a cancellation fee if I leave Verizon? A: Verizon has eliminated long-term contracts for new lines, so you can leave without a service termination fee. However, any remaining device payments on financed phones will become due.
Key Takeaways
- No Direct AARP Partnership: Verizon does not have a direct discount program for AARP members.
- Florida-Only Senior Discount: Verizon's main senior offer, the 55+ Unlimited Plan, is restricted to new customers who are Florida residents.
- Alternatives Offer AARP Discounts: Carriers like Consumer Cellular have an official partnership with AARP, offering specific discounts on monthly service and accessories.
- Nationwide Senior Options Available: T-Mobile provides competitive 55+ unlimited plans that are available nationwide, unlike Verizon's geographically restricted offer.
- Check Other Verizon Discounts: If you are not in Florida, you may still qualify for Verizon discounts based on military, first responder, teacher, or corporate affiliation.
- Flexibility to Switch: Most carriers no longer require long-term contracts, making it easier to switch providers to find better senior discounts.
