Understanding the Walmart+ Assist Program
Walmart+ Assist is a valuable initiative that extends the benefits of a Walmart+ membership to a wider audience by offering a significant discount. This program is part of Walmart's broader effort to support communities by making its services more accessible to those who qualify for government assistance programs. For many seniors on a fixed income, this can translate to major savings on everyday necessities like groceries and household items, in addition to other perks designed to increase convenience.
How Walmart+ Assist Differs from a Traditional Senior Discount
It is a common misconception that Walmart+ Assist is a senior-specific offer. Unlike a senior discount which typically has an age requirement, Walmart+ Assist eligibility is determined by a person's enrollment in certain government aid programs. While many seniors fall into this category and can therefore benefit, the program is not restricted to a specific age group. It is a needs-based discount, ensuring that financial status, rather than age, is the determining factor for reduced membership costs.
Who Qualifies for Walmart+ Assist?
To enroll in Walmart+ Assist, an individual must be a recipient of one or more of the qualifying government assistance programs. The verification process is handled by a trusted third party, SheerID, and does not affect your existing benefits or credit score.
Qualifying programs include:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Also known as food stamps.
- Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Provides supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A federal program that provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have limited income and resources.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Time-limited program that helps families with children achieve self-sufficiency.
- Other programs: Tribal TANF, National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are also among the qualifiers.
Benefits Included with a Walmart+ Assist Membership
Walmart+ Assist members receive all the same benefits as a standard, full-price Walmart+ membership. The only difference is the cost. At just $6.47 per month or $49 per year, members can enjoy a comprehensive suite of services.
Some of the key benefits include:
- Free Delivery from your local store: Get groceries and more delivered to your home for free on orders of $35 or more.
- Free Shipping on Walmart.com: Receive unlimited free shipping on online orders with no minimum purchase requirement.
- Savings on Fuel: Save 10 cents per gallon at participating Exxon & Mobil stations and 5 cents per gallon at Walmart and Murphy gas stations.
- Streaming Services: A free Paramount+ Essential subscription is included, offering a selection of movies and shows.
- Free Pharmacy Delivery: Have prescriptions delivered directly to your door, a major convenience for seniors with mobility challenges.
- Mobile Scan & Go: Use your phone to scan items as you shop in-store for faster, contactless checkout.
- Early Access: Gain special access to certain deals and events, like Black Friday sales.
- Returns from Home: Enjoy the convenience of having returns picked up directly from your doorstep.
How to Enroll in Walmart+ Assist
Enrolling is a straightforward process that can be completed entirely online. If you are an existing Walmart+ member and become eligible, you can switch to the discounted plan and receive a prorated refund.
- Visit the official Walmart+ Assist page: The starting point is the dedicated website where you can find all the information and begin the process. You can start by visiting the official Walmart website for the assist program: https://www.walmart.com/plus/assist.
- Verify Eligibility: You will be securely redirected to the SheerID website to complete an eligibility verification form. This may require you to upload documentation to confirm your participation in a qualifying government program.
- Choose a Plan: Once verified, you can select either the monthly or annual discounted plan.
- Enjoy the Benefits: After completing the signup, your new membership with all the included benefits will be activated immediately.
Comparison: Walmart+ Assist vs. Standard Walmart+
| Feature | Walmart+ Assist | Standard Walmart+ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $49 | $98 |
| Monthly Cost | $6.47 | $12.95 |
| Free Grocery Delivery | Included ($35+ order) | Included ($35+ order) |
| Free Shipping (no minimum) | Included | Included |
| Gas Savings | Included | Included |
| Paramount+ Essential | Included | Included |
| Eligibility | Qualifying government assistance programs | No eligibility requirement |
Alternative Savings Options for Seniors at Walmart
For seniors who do not qualify for government assistance, Walmart still offers other ways to save money.
- $4 Prescription Program: Many common generic medications are available for a 30-day supply for only $4, or a 90-day supply for $10. This can be a significant saving on healthcare costs.
- Walmart Cash and App Deals: Using the Walmart app allows you to earn rewards and stay informed about the latest rollback prices, flash deals, and manufacturer offers.
- AARP Discount: AARP members can receive a $20 discount on an annual Walmart+ membership, which is a different offer from the Assist program.
Conclusion
Walmart+ Assist is a powerful tool for seniors who meet the income requirements for government assistance programs, offering a valuable 50% discount on a Walmart+ membership. While it is not a direct senior discount, it serves a similar purpose by providing financial relief and convenience for those living on a tight budget. By offering free delivery, gas savings, and other perks at an affordable price, Walmart+ Assist helps eligible seniors save both time and money, making daily life easier and more manageable. For those not eligible for the Assist program, exploring alternatives like the AARP discount, prescription savings, and in-app deals can still lead to substantial savings.
