No Age-Based Senior Discount
Many seniors expect to find an age-specific discount at Walmart, similar to those offered by other retailers. However, Walmart's policy is based on its "Everyday Low Price" philosophy, meaning it does not offer special discounts for seniors, military personnel, or first responders. This approach aims to provide consistently low prices for all shoppers, rather than offering a percentage discount on a specific day. For a Walmart+ membership, this means the standard price applies unless you qualify for an alternative program.
Understanding Walmart+ Membership Costs
To determine the cost, it's essential to understand the different Walmart+ membership options available. The standard membership is open to everyone, while the discounted Walmart+ Assist plan is available for those on qualifying government programs.
Standard Walmart+ Membership
The regular Walmart+ membership, without any special discounts, costs $98 annually or $12.95 per month. This plan provides a wide array of benefits designed to make shopping more convenient and cost-effective for frequent customers.
Walmart+ Assist: A Discounted Alternative
For seniors who qualify for certain government aid, the Walmart+ Assist program provides a significant savings opportunity. This program offers the exact same benefits as the standard membership but at half the price. The cost for Walmart+ Assist is $49 per year or $6.47 per month.
To qualify, you must be a recipient of one of the following government assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Medicaid
- 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)
The verification process for Walmart+ Assist is handled through SheerID, a third-party service, to confirm your eligibility. This process does not impact your credit score or existing government benefits.
AARP Discount
Seniors who are members of the AARP can also take advantage of a discount. AARP members are eligible for $20 off the annual Walmart+ plan, bringing the yearly cost down to $78. This is a great alternative for those who do not qualify for the government assistance-based Walmart+ Assist program.
How the Membership Options Compare
To help visualize the different paths to a Walmart+ membership for seniors, consider this comparison table.
| Membership Type | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Walmart+ | $98 | $12.95 | No restrictions |
| Walmart+ Assist | $49 | $6.47 | Must receive qualifying government assistance |
| AARP Member Discount | $78 | N/A (annual only) | Must be an AARP member |
Key Benefits of a Walmart+ Membership
Regardless of which plan you choose, a Walmart+ membership offers substantial value through a variety of perks. For seniors, these benefits can provide a great deal of convenience and additional savings.
- Free Shipping: Get free shipping on online orders from Walmart.com with no order minimum.
- Free Delivery from Store: Receive free grocery and pharmacy delivery from your local store on orders of $35 or more.
- Fuel Savings: Save up to 10¢ per gallon at Walmart and Murphy gas stations, and get member pricing at Exxon & Mobil locations.
- In-Store Mobile Scan & Go: Use the Walmart app to scan items as you shop in-store and pay with your phone, making checkout faster and contactless.
- Free Paramount+ Essential: Get a Paramount+ Essential subscription at no extra cost, providing access to exclusive shows and movies.
- InHome Returns: Enjoy free returns that are picked up right from your doorstep.
Maximizing Savings Beyond the Membership
Even without a traditional senior discount, older adults can find numerous ways to save money at Walmart.
- Walmart $4 Prescription Program: The pharmacy offers a list of generic prescriptions for $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply, which can be a significant saving over regular pharmacy prices.
- Use the Walmart App: Download the free Walmart app to receive alerts on flash deals, rollbacks, and promotions. The app also features Walmart Cash rewards on eligible purchases.
- Utilize Medicare OTC Cards: Many Medicare Advantage plans provide Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefits through a prepaid card, which can be used to purchase eligible health items at Walmart.
Conclusion
While seniors should not expect an age-based discount for a Walmart+ membership, there are several pathways to significant savings. The most cost-effective option is the Walmart+ Assist program, which offers a 50% discount for those on government assistance. For AARP members, an annual discount is also available. By understanding these alternative programs and utilizing other in-store and app-based deals, seniors can maximize their savings at Walmart. For more information on eligibility and enrollment, you can visit the official Walmart+ Assist page.
