Demystifying Walmart Plus for Seniors
For many seniors living on a fixed income, stretching every dollar is a priority. This often involves seeking out discounts, including those offered by major retailers. While the idea of a senior-specific discount on a Walmart Plus membership is appealing, the reality is that such an offer does not exist based on age alone. Instead, Walmart employs an “Everyday Low Price” strategy and provides other savings avenues, including a highly beneficial discounted program for those receiving government assistance.
The Standard Price and Walmart+ Assist
The regular price for a Walmart Plus membership is consistent for all customers, regardless of age. Members can choose between a monthly and an annual plan, with the annual plan offering a better overall value.
- Monthly Plan: $12.95 per month
- Annual Plan: $98 per year (saves over $57 annually compared to the monthly option)
The most significant discount opportunity for many seniors comes from the Walmart+ Assist program. This program targets customers who receive government assistance, offering a 50% discount on the regular membership fee. Seniors who qualify for benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, or SSI can enroll in Walmart+ Assist. The discounted prices are:
- Monthly Plan: $6.47 per month
- Annual Plan: $49 per year
This makes the benefits of Walmart+—like free delivery and fuel savings—more accessible for budget-conscious households.
How to Verify for Walmart+ Assist
Verifying eligibility for Walmart+ Assist is a simple, secure process that does not affect your existing benefits.
- Visit the Walmart+ Assist page: Navigate to the specific enrollment page on Walmart.com.
- Sign in or create an account: You will need a Walmart account to proceed.
- Verify via SheerID: Walmart partners with SheerID, a third-party service, to securely confirm your eligibility for government assistance programs. You will be redirected to their site to complete a form and may need to provide documentation.
- Complete enrollment: After successful verification, you will be redirected back to Walmart to finalize your discounted membership.
Benefits of a Walmart Plus Membership for Seniors
For seniors, the value of a Walmart Plus membership goes beyond just saving money on the fee itself. The included benefits can significantly enhance convenience and safety, especially for those with mobility challenges.
- Free Grocery Delivery: Get fresh groceries and other goods delivered directly from your local store for free on orders over $35. This is invaluable for seniors who find it difficult to shop in-store.
- Free Shipping: Receive free shipping on online orders from Walmart.com with no minimum purchase requirement, making it easy to order essentials without a bulk buy.
- Fuel Savings: Save 10 cents per gallon at Walmart, Sam's Club, and Murphy gas stations. For those who drive regularly, these savings can add up quickly.
- Contact-Free Shopping: Use the Mobile Scan & Go feature in the Walmart app to scan and pay for items as you shop in-store, bypassing the traditional checkout lines.
- Free Streaming: Enjoy a complimentary Paramount+ Essential streaming subscription, offering a wide selection of movies and shows for entertainment.
- Early Access to Deals: Gain early access to popular sales events, including Black Friday deals, allowing you to secure desired items before they sell out.
Comparison: Walmart Plus vs. Standard Savings for Seniors
To help visualize the options, this table compares the cost and key benefits of the regular Walmart+ membership, the Walmart+ Assist program, and general savings strategies available to all seniors without a membership.
| Feature | Standard Walmart+ Membership | Walmart+ Assist (for eligible seniors) | General Senior Savings (Non-Member) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $98 | $49 | Free |
| Grocery Delivery | Unlimited free delivery (min. $35 order) | Unlimited free delivery (min. $35 order) | Delivery fee per order ($7.95–$9.95) |
| Online Shipping | Free shipping (no minimum) | Free shipping (no minimum) | Free shipping on orders over $35 |
| Fuel Discount | 10¢ off per gallon | 10¢ off per gallon | Standard pricing |
| Paramount+ | Free Essential plan | Free Essential plan | Not included |
| AARP Discount | $20 off annual fee | N/A | N/A |
| Mobile Scan & Go | Included | Included | Not included |
AARP Member Discount
Even without qualifying for Walmart+ Assist, seniors who are AARP members can still access a special deal. AARP members can save $20 on an annual Walmart Plus membership, reducing the cost from $98 to $78. This is another excellent option for those seeking ways to save on the membership fee.
Alternative Savings for Seniors at Walmart
Beyond a Walmart Plus membership, seniors can take advantage of several other money-saving programs and tools.
- $4 Prescription Program: Many generic prescription medications are available for just $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. This can provide substantial savings on regular medications.
- Walmart App: Using the free Walmart mobile app is a great way to stay on budget. It provides access to digital coupons, allows you to check prices, and helps you locate items in the store.
- Walmart Cash: Earn rewards on qualifying purchases, including manufacturer offers, that can be redeemed for cash back on future Walmart purchases.
- Rollback and Flash Deals: Keep an eye out for Rollback and Flash Deals, which are temporary price reductions available to all shoppers.
- Medicare OTC Benefits: Some Medicare Advantage plans offer an Over-the-Counter (OTC) card, which can be used to purchase eligible health and wellness products at Walmart.
Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Needs
While the direct answer to "How much is Walmart Plus for seniors age?" is that there is no age-based discount, this doesn't mean seniors can't save. The key is to explore the specific programs available. Seniors receiving government assistance are the most fortunate, gaining a 50% discount through Walmart+ Assist. AARP members also have a clear path to savings. Even without these specific programs, the potential savings from free delivery, fuel discounts, and other member benefits can still make a regular Walmart+ membership a worthwhile investment for many. The best choice ultimately depends on your individual circumstances, purchasing habits, and eligibility for assistance programs.
For more details on Walmart+ benefits and pricing, visit the official Walmart Plus website.
