Walmart+ vs. Standard Delivery: Understanding the Costs
For seniors considering Walmart for their grocery needs, it's crucial to understand the different delivery options and associated costs. Walmart's standard grocery delivery service is not free and comes with fees that can vary. To qualify for free delivery, customers must either subscribe to the Walmart+ membership or meet specific promotional requirements.
Walmart+ Membership
- A monthly fee of $12.95 or an annual fee of $98 provides unlimited free delivery from the store on orders over $35.
- Members also receive free shipping on Walmart.com orders with no minimum, fuel discounts, and other perks.
- This membership removes the typical delivery fee, which can range from $7.95 to $9.95 for each standard delivery order.
Standard Delivery (Non-Members)
- Without a Walmart+ membership, you will pay a delivery fee on every order. This fee is typically between $7.95 and $9.95, depending on the time slot you select.
- There may be an additional "below order minimum" fee if your order is less than $35.
- Express delivery, which arrives in under two hours, is also available for an additional fee.
The Walmart+ Assist Program: A Crucial Discount for Seniors
For seniors on a fixed income, paying for a full-price Walmart+ membership might not be feasible. However, many may qualify for the Walmart+ Assist program, which offers a 50% discount on the membership. This program is a game-changer for budgeting grocery costs.
Who Qualifies for Walmart+ Assist? The discounted rate is available to individuals who are recipients of several 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)
How the Discount Helps
- Reduced Cost: The Walmart+ Assist membership costs $6.47 per month or $49 per year.
- Retained Benefits: You receive all the same benefits as a standard Walmart+ membership, including free grocery delivery on orders over $35.
- Convenient Access: You can sign up and verify your eligibility online through a simple process.
Comparison of Walmart Grocery Delivery Options
| Feature | Standard Delivery (No Membership) | Walmart+ Member | Walmart+ Assist Member |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Delivery | No | Yes (with $35+ order) | Yes (with $35+ order) |
| Delivery Fee | $7.95-$9.95 per order | $0 (with $35+ order) | $0 (with $35+ order) |
| Minimum Order for Free Delivery | Not applicable | $35 | $35 |
| Membership Cost | $0 | $12.95/mo or $98/yr | $6.47/mo or $49/yr |
| Additional Benefits | None | Fuel savings, streaming, etc. | All standard Walmart+ benefits |
| Eligibility | Open to all | Open to all | Individuals receiving government assistance |
Additional Ways for Seniors to Save on Groceries
Beyond the Walmart+ Assist program, seniors can use several other strategies to minimize grocery costs when shopping with Walmart.
- Use the Walmart App: Downloading the free Walmart app can give you access to instant alerts on sales and deals. The app also includes a barcode scanner and allows for mobile checkout with Walmart Pay.
- Look for Manufacturer Offers: Keep an eye out for manufacturer offers in the app to earn Walmart Cash, which can be redeemed on future purchases.
- Explore Medicare Advantage Plans: Some seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid may have access to a grocery allowance through their Medicare Advantage plans. This is a possibility to explore through your health plan provider.
- Consider a 30-Day Free Trial: For those unsure if a Walmart+ membership is right for them, a 30-day free trial is often available. This allows you to test the benefits before committing to a paid plan.
Conclusion
While Walmart does not offer blanket free grocery delivery for seniors, numerous cost-saving options are available. The primary path to free delivery is through a Walmart+ membership, and many seniors can secure a 50% discount on this subscription via the Walmart+ Assist program if they receive government assistance. By understanding the different delivery options and leveraging savings tools like the Walmart app, seniors can make informed decisions to reduce their grocery spending while enjoying the convenience of home delivery.
