No Age-Based Senior Discount, but Alternative Savings Exist
Walmart operates on an "Everyday Low Price" strategy, which means it generally avoids offering age-based discounts that many competitors provide. This can be a point of confusion for many older adults looking for ways to save money, especially when living on a fixed income. While the store doesn't have a specific senior citizen discount, this doesn't mean seniors are out of luck when it comes to saving money. The key is knowing about the alternative programs and strategies available.
Understanding the Standard Walmart+ Membership Cost
The standard Walmart+ membership is a subscription service that provides numerous benefits, competing with other major retailers. For those who do not qualify for a discounted plan, the regular rates apply.
- Annual Plan: Costs $98 per year. This breaks down to approximately $8.17 per month and offers the best value for frequent shoppers.
- Monthly Plan: For those who prefer flexibility, a monthly option is available at $12.95 per month. The membership includes benefits such as free grocery delivery from your local store on orders over $35, free shipping on most items with no order minimum, and savings on fuel.
The Walmart+ Assist Program for Qualifying Individuals
The most significant potential saving for many seniors comes through the Walmart+ Assist program. This is specifically designed for individuals on eligible government assistance programs and offers a 50% discount on the regular membership fee.
Eligibility for Walmart+ Assist
To qualify for the reduced rate, you must be a recipient of one of the following government assistance programs:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- TTANF
- NSLP (National School Lunch Program)
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
Verification is handled by a third-party partner, SheerID, and does not impact your credit score or existing government benefits. The verification lasts for one year, after which re-verification is required to maintain the discounted rate.
Cost of the Walmart+ Assist Membership
Once verified, the discounted price is:
- Annual Plan: $49 per year
- Monthly Plan: $6.47 per month
Comparing Walmart+ Membership Options
For a clearer picture, here is a comparison of the different Walmart+ membership options.
| Feature | Standard Walmart+ Membership | Walmart+ Assist Program |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $98 | $49 |
| Monthly Fee | $12.95 | $6.47 |
| Eligibility | Open to all customers | Recipients of qualifying government assistance programs |
| Free Shipping | Yes, with no minimum order | Yes, with no minimum order |
| Free Delivery | Yes, on orders over $35 | Yes, on orders over $35 |
| Fuel Savings | Yes, up to 10¢ off per gallon | Yes, up to 10¢ off per gallon |
| Paramount+ | Yes, included | Yes, included |
Other Ways for Seniors to Save at Walmart
Even without a senior discount, seniors have other avenues for saving money at Walmart.
AARP Member Savings
Though it's not age-based, AARP members can receive a special discount, saving $20 on an annual Walmart+ membership, bringing the cost down to $78. This is another excellent option for seniors who are members of this organization.
The Walmart $4 Prescription Program
Many generic prescriptions are available for just $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply, which can be a huge help for those with chronic health conditions. Seniors should check with their pharmacy to see if their specific medication is included in this program. This can often be cheaper than using insurance or Medicare plans.
The Walmart App and In-Store Deals
The free Walmart app provides numerous benefits, such as:
- Digital coupons and manufacturer offers for Walmart Cash.
- Alerts on Rollback and Flash Deals.
- The "Scan & Go" feature for a faster, contactless checkout experience. The app helps budget-conscious seniors stay informed about the latest sales and manage their shopping more efficiently.
Using Medicare OTC Benefits
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer an Over-the-Counter (OTC) card that can be used at Walmart to purchase eligible health items. Seniors can use this benefit to cover the cost of things like vitamins, bandages, and other health supplies, reducing their out-of-pocket expenses.
Conclusion: Maximizing Savings on a Fixed Income
While it is true that there is no specific senior discount for a Walmart+ membership based on age, seniors have several pathways to significant savings. The most substantial discount is available through the Walmart+ Assist program for those on government aid, halving the cost to $49 annually. AARP members can also receive a reduced rate. Beyond memberships, seniors can leverage the low-cost prescription program, utilize the Walmart app for digital deals, and use Medicare OTC benefits to stretch their fixed income further. By exploring these alternatives, older adults can maximize their savings and enjoy the conveniences that a Walmart+ membership offers. For more information on the discount program, visit the official Walmart+ Assist page.
