No Age-Based Senior Discount, but Two Paths to Savings
While many retailers offer specific discounts for seniors, Walmart operates under an "Everyday Low Price" philosophy and does not have an age-based senior discount for its Walmart Plus membership. However, there are two primary ways seniors can receive a discount on a Walmart Plus subscription: the AARP membership benefit and the needs-based Walmart+ Assist program.
The AARP Member Offer
One of the most straightforward ways for seniors to save is by being an AARP member. This national organization for people 50 and older partners with many businesses to provide discounts, including Walmart. For AARP members, the offer significantly reduces the annual cost of Walmart Plus.
To apply the AARP discount:
- Visit the specific AARP-Walmart+ page or follow the sign-up link through your AARP member benefits portal.
- Sign in to your existing Walmart account or create a new one.
- Confirm your AARP membership by entering your membership number.
- Complete the enrollment to get the discounted annual rate. If you are already a paying Walmart+ member, the discount will be applied at the end of your current billing cycle.
The Walmart+ Assist Program
For seniors who receive government assistance, the Walmart+ Assist program offers a 50% discount on the regular membership price. This program is for customers with qualifying assistance through programs like SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid.
To check your eligibility for Walmart+ Assist:
- Navigate to the Walmart+ Assist page on Walmart's website.
- Verify your eligibility through the secure online process handled by SheerID.
- Sign up for the half-price annual or monthly membership once your eligibility is confirmed.
Comparison of Walmart Plus Discounts
| Feature | Standard Walmart+ Membership | AARP Member Discount | Walmart+ Assist Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (Annual) | $98 | Varies (currently $58/year with $40 off regular price) | $49 |
| Cost (Monthly) | $12.95 | N/A | $6.47 |
| Eligibility | Open to all customers. | Requires a paid AARP membership. | Requires eligibility for government assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC. |
| Application Process | Standard online sign-up. | Verify AARP membership during sign-up. | Verify eligibility through SheerID during sign-up. |
| Included Benefits | All standard Walmart+ benefits. | All standard Walmart+ benefits. | All standard Walmart+ benefits. |
What if You Don't Qualify for a Discount?
If you are a senior who does not have an AARP membership and do not qualify for a government assistance program, you can still maximize your savings at Walmart. Walmart's overall value proposition is built on its "Everyday Low Prices," which are intended to be competitive for all customers, regardless of membership status or age.
Other savings strategies include:
- Free Walmart Account: Create a free account on the Walmart website or app to access offers and deals without a paid membership.
- Walmart App Deals: Download and use the Walmart app to receive notifications about promotions, flash deals, and price rollbacks. You can also use the app's barcode scanner to quickly check prices while in-store.
- Walmart Cash: Look for manufacturer offers online or in the app that allow you to earn Walmart Cash on eligible purchases, which can be redeemed on future purchases.
- Medicare Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan with an OTC benefit, you can link your card to your Walmart.com account and use it to purchase eligible health products online or in-store.
- Free 30-Day Trial: New members can start with a 30-day free trial of Walmart+ to test the benefits before paying for a subscription.
Conclusion
While a direct senior discount for Walmart Plus membership is not available based on age, seniors have two excellent pathways to save on the subscription: the AARP offer and the Walmart+ Assist program for those on government assistance. The AARP benefit provides a substantial annual discount, while the Assist program cuts the membership price in half for those with demonstrated financial need. For seniors who don't qualify for these special offers, Walmart still provides ample savings opportunities through its everyday low prices, app-based deals, and other benefits like the Medicare OTC program. By exploring these alternatives, older adults can find significant value in a Walmart Plus membership or through other smart shopping habits.
Compare AARP and Walmart+ eligibility on their official websites
