Standard Amazon Prime membership cost for seniors
Without a special discount, seniors pay the same standard rates as all other Amazon customers. The standard costs are as follows:
- $14.99 per month.
- $139.00 per year.
Opting for the annual subscription saves members approximately $41 per year compared to paying monthly.
The Prime Access program: A key discount for low-income seniors
The most significant discount available to many seniors is through the Prime Access program. This program offers a reduced rate of $6.99 per month for eligible individuals.
What is Prime Access?
Prime Access offers a full Amazon Prime membership at a reduced rate of $6.99 per month for eligible individuals. The benefits are identical to the standard membership and include fast, free delivery, Prime Video, Amazon Music, Prime Reading, exclusive deals, and grocery delivery.
How to qualify for Prime Access
To qualify for the $6.99 monthly rate, you must be a recipient of certain government assistance programs or be income-verified. Qualifying programs include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SNAP/EBT, Medicaid, Direct Express (DE) Prepaid Debit Card, TANF, NSLP, LIHEAP, WIC, TTANF, and Puerto Rico's NAP. Income verification is an alternative if your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
The application process
Applying for Prime Access is straightforward. Visit amazon.com/primeaccess and follow the instructions to verify eligibility with a document like an EBT card or Medicaid letter. You'll need to provide a payment method, noting that government assistance funds cannot be used for the membership itself. New members get a free 30-day trial. Eligibility must be reverified annually.
Comparison of standard vs. Prime Access membership
This table outlines the key differences between the standard Amazon Prime membership and the Prime Access option.
| Feature | Standard Amazon Prime | Prime Access for Eligible Seniors |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $14.99 | $6.99 |
| Annual Cost | $139.00 (approximately $11.58/month) | N/A (monthly payment only) |
| Eligibility | Open to all customers | Recipients of qualifying government assistance programs (e.g., SSI, SNAP, Medicaid) or income-verified |
| Perks and Benefits | Full access to Prime benefits, including free shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, etc. | Full access to the exact same Prime benefits |
| Verification | N/A | Requires annual reverification of eligibility |
Other ways for seniors to save on Amazon Prime
For those who do not qualify for Prime Access, consider these options to save:
- Annual vs. Monthly Payment: The annual $139 fee saves about $41 compared to monthly payments.
- Amazon Household: Share your membership with another adult to split costs.
- Utilize Benefits: Maximize perks like Prime Video or Amazon Photos to replace other services.
- Free Trial: Use the 30-day free trial before committing.
Conclusion
While Amazon lacks a specific senior discount, the Prime Access program offers a significant $6.99 monthly rate for eligible low-income seniors. Those not eligible for Prime Access can save by opting for an annual membership or sharing via Amazon Household. Understanding these options helps seniors make an informed decision about Amazon Prime. More details are on the official Amazon Access resource page.
