Understanding the Cost of Walmart Grocery Delivery
Walmart's grocery delivery service offers various pricing structures, depending on whether you have a Walmart+ membership and which delivery speed you choose. For seniors, understanding these different costs is key to finding the most affordable and convenient option. There is no special, age-based senior discount, but several paths exist to minimize or eliminate delivery charges.
Non-Member Delivery Fees
If you are not a Walmart+ member, you can still get groceries delivered, but you will pay a delivery fee on each order. These fees depend on your chosen delivery slot and are subject to a minimum order amount.
- Standard Delivery Fee: For non-members, the fee typically ranges from $7.95 to $9.95 per order.
- Minimum Order: A $35 order minimum applies to qualify for delivery. Orders under this amount are subject to a small order fee of $6.99 in addition to the delivery fee.
- Express Delivery: For an additional $10 fee on top of standard delivery charges, you can get your order delivered in two hours or less.
Walmart+ Membership Options for Seniors
For seniors who order groceries regularly, a Walmart+ membership is often the most cost-effective choice. It provides unlimited deliveries for a flat monthly or annual fee, eliminating per-order charges.
- Monthly Plan: A standard Walmart+ membership costs $12.95 per month.
- Annual Plan: A standard annual membership costs $98, which is a discounted rate compared to the monthly plan.
- Free Delivery with Walmart+: As long as your order is at least $35, you get free delivery from your local store with a Walmart+ membership.
- Small Order Fee: For orders under $35, a $6.99 minimum order fee still applies, even with a Walmart+ membership.
The Walmart+ Assist Program
This program is a game-changer for budget-conscious seniors who receive government assistance. It offers a 50% discount on the Walmart+ membership, making the benefits significantly more affordable.
- Who Qualifies? Eligibility is for recipients of government assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid. Many seniors on a fixed income qualify for one of these programs.
- Discounted Pricing: Eligible seniors can get a Walmart+ Assist membership for just $6.47 per month or $49 per year.
- Free Delivery: With Walmart+ Assist, free grocery delivery is included for orders over $35, just like the standard membership.
Other Walmart Grocery Delivery Features
Walmart provides additional services that may be of interest to seniors, including InHome and Express Delivery.
- InHome Delivery: This premium service allows a Walmart associate to bring groceries directly into your kitchen or garage. It can be added to a standard Walmart+ membership for $7 per month or $40 per year. This eliminates the need to lift heavy grocery bags and offers a contact-free option for those who prefer it.
- Express Delivery: This accelerated option is also available to Walmart+ members for an additional $10 fee, on top of any standard delivery fees.
- Caregiver Integration: Walmart has partnered with apps like Avanlee Care, allowing caregivers to place and manage grocery orders for seniors. This adds another layer of support and convenience for families.
Comparison of Walmart Grocery Delivery Costs
| Feature | Non-Member Delivery | Standard Walmart+ Member | Walmart+ Assist Member | InHome Delivery Add-on | Express Delivery Add-on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Fee | $7.95–$9.95 per order | Free on orders $35+ | Free on orders $35+ | Free delivery fee | $10 surcharge |
| Subscription Cost | $0 | $12.95/month or $98/year | $6.47/month or $49/year | + $7/month or $40/year | N/A |
| Order Minimum | $35 (extra $6.99 fee below) | $35 (extra $6.99 fee below) | $35 (extra $6.99 fee below) | $35 | $35 |
| Unlimited Deliveries | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Making the Right Choice for Your Situation
For seniors considering Walmart grocery delivery, the best choice depends on your ordering frequency and eligibility for assistance programs. For those who order groceries at least twice a month, a Walmart+ membership quickly pays for itself by eliminating per-delivery fees. However, the most significant savings are available through Walmart+ Assist for those on government aid. A caregiver using the Avanlee Care app can help manage the ordering process for added convenience.
Maximizing Value for Seniors
- Check for Government Assistance: See if you qualify for programs like SNAP or Medicaid to receive the 50% discounted Walmart+ Assist membership. This provides free delivery on orders over $35 and other valuable perks for a significantly reduced price.
- Evaluate Delivery Frequency: If you order groceries less than once a month, paying the non-member delivery fee may be cheaper than a monthly subscription. If you order more often, a Walmart+ membership is the clear winner.
- Consider InHome for Extra Support: For seniors with mobility issues, the InHome add-on can be a huge benefit, offering the convenience of having groceries put away inside your home.
Conclusion
Walmart grocery delivery offers seniors multiple options to get groceries conveniently delivered to their homes, with costs varying based on membership status. While no specific senior-only discount exists, the Walmart+ and heavily discounted Walmart+ Assist programs provide the most value for those who rely on delivery services regularly. By understanding the fees and membership benefits, seniors and their families can choose the most affordable and suitable plan for their needs, ensuring continued independence and access to fresh food.
