Prerequisites: Before You Begin
Before you begin the process of adding a family member, ensure you meet the necessary requirements. To add a secondary member, you must be the primary AARP member and have an active online account. The person you wish to add must be an adult living at the same address. There is no additional fee for this feature, and it is a free benefit included with your primary membership.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Adding a Family Member Online
Adding a household member through the AARP website is the most straightforward method. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process.
- Log in to your AARP online account. Go to the AARP website and click the "Log In" button in the top right corner. Enter your username and password to access your member dashboard. If you haven't created an online account yet, it's free and simple to set up using your AARP membership number.
- Navigate to the "My Account" section. Once logged in, click on your name or profile icon to access the "My Account" drop-down menu.
- Select "Account Details". On the next page, find and click the "Account Details" tab. This section contains all your personal and membership information.
- Find the "Members in this household" section. Scroll down the "Account Details" page until you find the area labeled "Members in this household (optional)". This is where you will manage your secondary member information.
- Click "Add Member". Select the "Add Member" button to begin entering the family member's details.
- Fill in the required information. You will need to provide your family member's first name, last name, and date of birth. Ensure all information is accurate to prevent delays in their card's arrival.
- Click "Save". After entering their details, click "Save" to finalize the process. AARP will automatically generate and mail a new, separate membership card to your address for the secondary member. This card will display your primary membership number but will be specific to them.
Alternative Method: Adding a Family Member by Phone
If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can add a family member by calling the AARP Member Contact Center. This can be especially helpful if you encounter any issues with the online process or do not have internet access.
- Gather necessary information. Have your AARP membership number and your family member's personal details (name, date of birth) ready before you call.
- Call the contact center. Dial 1-888-687-2277 during their business hours (typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET).
- Request to add a secondary member. Inform the representative that you are a primary member and would like to add a free secondary member to your account.
- Provide the details. The representative will ask for your family member's information and complete the process for you. A new membership card will then be sent to your home.
Benefits of Adding a Secondary Household Member
Extending your AARP membership to a family member comes with a host of advantages. These benefits can significantly enhance your household's quality of life and financial well-being.
- Comprehensive Discounts: Both the primary and secondary members gain access to hundreds of discounts on travel, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
- Shared Resources: The entire household can utilize AARP's vast library of online resources, including articles on health, finance, and career planning.
- Individual Cards: The secondary member receives their own physical and digital membership card, allowing them to independently access benefits.
- Access to Publications: Both members receive subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, keeping them informed on relevant issues.
- Health and Wellness Programs: Secondary members can access health-related benefits and insurance options from trusted providers like UnitedHealthcare and Delta Dental.
- Advocacy and Community: As AARP members, your family can participate in and benefit from the organization's advocacy efforts on issues important to those aged 50 and over.
Comparing Primary vs. Secondary Membership
While secondary members receive almost all the same benefits as primary members, there are a few distinctions to be aware of.
| Feature | Primary Member | Secondary Member |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Pays the annual membership fee (as low as $15 with auto-renewal). | Free with the primary membership. |
| Management | Manages the subscription, including renewal and adding/removing secondary members. | Can manage their own account details (address, email) once they register online. |
| Membership Card | Receives a unique card. | Receives their own card with the primary member's number. |
| Online Access | Full control over the primary account and subscription. | Must register separately online to manage their specific details. |
| Eligibility | Open to anyone aged 18 or older. | Must be an adult (18+) living at the same address as the primary member. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you run into trouble while adding a family member, here are some solutions to typical problems:
- "Invalid Information" Error: Double-check that you have entered your family member's first name, last name, and date of birth correctly. Any discrepancies can cause the system to reject the request.
- Secondary Member Under 50: Remember that the secondary member can be under 50, but certain age-restricted benefits, like specific insurance products, may not apply to them.
- Editing Secondary Member Info: For the secondary member to update their personal details (such as email address), they must create and log in to their own AARP online account.
- Removing a Secondary Member: If you need to remove a secondary member, you can do so through the same "Account Details" page by selecting the "Remove" option next to their name.
Maintaining Your AARP Family Membership
To ensure both you and your family member continue to enjoy uninterrupted benefits, consider these tips for managing your shared membership:
- Review your account regularly: Periodically check your "Account Details" to ensure all information is up-to-date. This is especially important for household members who may move.
- Inform your secondary member: Encourage your family member to create their own online AARP account. This gives them greater control over their preferences and notifications.
- Renew your membership: The primary member is responsible for the annual renewal. If you have automatic renewal enabled, AARP will handle it for you, but it's good practice to confirm the details.
For more detailed information or to get help directly, you can visit the AARP Help Center online: https://help.aarp.org.
Conclusion
Adding a family member to your AARP account is a simple, free process that extends the wide array of benefits to another adult in your household. By logging into your online account and following the clear steps outlined, you can ensure your loved ones also have access to valuable discounts, resources, and publications. The process takes only a few minutes and offers significant, ongoing value for your family's financial and physical well-being. Whether it's for travel savings, health resources, or everyday discounts, adding a secondary member is a rewarding part of your AARP membership.
