Standard Walmart Plus Costs
For seniors who do not qualify for a government assistance discount, the cost of a Walmart Plus membership is the same as for any other customer. There are two main pricing options available:
- Monthly Plan: This option costs $12.95 per month, plus applicable taxes.
- Annual Plan: Choosing an annual membership costs $98 per year, plus applicable taxes. This is the most economical option for regular users, as it effectively provides four months of membership for free compared to the monthly rate.
Benefits of a Standard Membership
A standard Walmart+ membership offers a wide array of benefits that can add significant value for seniors.
- Free Shipping: Members receive free shipping on a vast selection of online orders with no minimum purchase requirement.
- Free Grocery Delivery: Get same-day grocery delivery from your local Walmart store on orders of $35 or more. This is a major convenience for those who prefer not to shop in person or have limited mobility.
- Fuel Savings: Save 10 cents per gallon at over 13,000 participating fuel stations nationwide, including Walmart, Sam's Club, Exxon, and Mobil.
- Video Streaming: An included subscription to Paramount+ Essential provides entertainment content at no extra cost.
- Early Access: Get first-chance access to special promotions and events, like Black Friday deals.
- Mobile Checkout: Use the Scan & Go feature in the Walmart app for a faster, contact-free checkout experience in-store.
- Other Perks: Benefits also include free online pet care through Pawp, 25% off Burger King digital orders, and savings on auto care services.
The Discounted Walmart+ Assist Program
For many seniors, the most significant savings come from the Walmart+ Assist program, which offers a 50% discount on the regular membership price. This program is not age-based, but is tied to participation in specific government assistance programs.
How to Qualify for Walmart+ Assist
To be eligible for the discounted rate, you must be a recipient of one of the following government programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
How Much Walmart+ Assist Costs
For qualifying seniors, the cost is significantly lower:
- Monthly Plan: $6.47 per month, plus applicable taxes.
- Annual Plan: $49 per year, plus applicable taxes.
The application process involves verification through Walmart's partner, SheerID, which is a secure and confidential process that does not affect your benefits.
Comparison of Walmart Plus Membership Plans
| Feature | Standard Walmart+ | Walmart+ Assist |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Price | $98 | $49 |
| Monthly Price | $12.95 | $6.47 |
| Eligibility | All customers | Recipients of specific government assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.) |
| Free Delivery ($35+ order) | Yes | Yes |
| Free Shipping (No Min.) | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel Savings | Yes, 10 cents off per gallon | Yes, 10 cents off per gallon |
| Streaming Service | Included Paramount+ Essential | Included Paramount+ Essential |
| Free 30-Day Trial | Yes | Yes |
Other Savings Opportunities for Seniors at Walmart
Beyond the official Walmart Plus membership, other strategies can help seniors save money when shopping at Walmart, regardless of membership status.
- $4 Prescription Program: Walmart offers a low-cost prescription program for many generic medications, providing significant savings on recurring healthcare costs.
- Walmart Cash: All Walmart account holders can earn Walmart Cash on eligible purchases, which can be redeemed on future purchases.
- Rollback and Flash Deals: Keep an eye on Walmart's website and app for frequent rollbacks and limited-time flash deals on various items.
- Medicare Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits: Some Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits that allow for the purchase of eligible over-the-counter health items with a special debit card, which can be used at Walmart.
- AARP Discount: AARP members may receive a discount on an annual Walmart+ membership, which can change periodically. It is important to check the AARP website for the most current offer details.
Conclusion
While there is no blanket senior citizen discount for Walmart Plus, seniors who qualify for government assistance programs can get a 50% discount through the Walmart+ Assist plan, lowering the annual cost to $49. For those who do not qualify, the standard annual membership is $98. Both plans offer a full suite of benefits, including free shipping, grocery delivery, and fuel savings, which provide substantial value. Other savings methods, such as the $4 generic prescription program and frequent rollbacks, are also available to all seniors and can be used in conjunction with or independently of a Walmart Plus membership to reduce overall household spending.
For more information on the Walmart+ Assist program and other benefits, visit the official Walmart website.
