Navigating the world of streaming service discounts can be tricky, as few companies offer a direct senior discount based on age alone. Instead, the most significant savings are unlocked through membership in organizations like AARP or participation in qualifying government assistance programs. The following services provide avenues for discounted subscriptions.
Paramount+ with an AARP Membership
Active AARP members can receive a 10% discount on any Paramount+ streaming plan. This is a lifetime discount, as long as your AARP membership remains active. New and returning subscribers can take advantage of this offer by verifying their AARP status through the Paramount+ website. The discount applies to both the Essential (with ads) and the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME (ad-free) plans.
How to get the AARP discount for Paramount+
- Visit the dedicated AARP landing page on the Paramount+ website.
- Click "Sign Up Now" and follow the on-screen prompts to verify your AARP membership with your username and password.
- After verification, choose your desired plan. The 10% discount will be applied automatically.
- If you are an existing Paramount+ subscriber, you must cancel your current subscription and then resubscribe through the AARP link to receive the discount.
Amazon Prime Access for qualifying individuals
For many seniors, the most substantial streaming discount comes from Amazon's Prime Access program, which offers a full Prime membership—including Prime Video—for more than 50% off the standard monthly price. Eligibility is based on receiving specific government benefits, not age alone. You do not need to be on Medicare or standard Social Security retirement benefits to qualify.
Eligibility for Amazon Prime Access
To qualify for the $6.99 monthly rate, you must receive benefits from one of the following programs:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Recipients of a Direct Express Debit Card
Benefits beyond streaming
An Amazon Prime Access membership provides much more than just streaming on Prime Video. It also includes free shipping on millions of items, access to Prime Music, exclusive deals, and other benefits, making it an exceptional value.
Cable providers with low-income plans that include streaming
Many internet and cable providers offer low-income internet packages that can bundle with live TV streaming services. These are not specific senior discounts, but often include eligibility criteria relevant to older adults on fixed incomes.
- Xfinity Internet Essentials: This plan offers affordable internet and includes free access to Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots, often with eligibility tied to SSI or Medicaid participation.
- Spectrum Internet Assist: For qualifying individuals, Spectrum offers a reduced-rate internet service, which can then be bundled with television and streaming packages.
- DISH: The company offers a "55+ Senior Discount Exclusive TV Offer," which includes a monthly on-demand movie rental for two years when you subscribe to a qualifying TV package.
Comparison of Streaming Discounts
| Service | Type of Discount | Qualification Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ | 10% off any plan | AARP membership verification | Requires an active AARP membership. Applicable for new and returning subscribers. |
| Amazon Prime | Reduced monthly rate ($6.99) | Enrollment in specific government assistance programs (e.g., SNAP, SSI) | Requires annual verification of eligibility. Includes Prime Video and other Prime benefits. |
| DISH (TV service) | One free on-demand movie rental per month | Age-based (55+) bundle with a qualifying TV package | Limited-time movie rental offer; not a discount on the streaming service itself. |
| Hulu | Student discount ($1.99/month) | Verification of student enrollment | Only applicable if the senior is currently taking college courses. No specific age-based discount. |
| Netflix | None | Not available | No senior-specific or income-based discount programs. Sharing accounts is a potential option. |
| Peacock | Occasional promotions | General promotional offers | No dedicated senior discount, but watch for limited-time offers like Black Friday deals. |
Other strategies for reducing streaming costs
Beyond formal discounts, several other methods can help seniors reduce their monthly entertainment expenses:
- Bundle deals: Look for streaming services bundled with other subscriptions. For example, some phone carriers or internet providers offer deals that include a streaming service at a reduced cost.
- Annual vs. monthly billing: Many streaming services offer a discount if you pay for a full year upfront rather than month-to-month. This is an easy way to save money on services like Peacock or Amazon Prime.
- Account sharing: For services that permit it, sharing a standard or premium plan with family members is a common way to split costs. Netflix, for instance, allows up to five user profiles on a single account.
- Leverage free trials and promotional offers: Keep an eye out for limited-time promotions offered to new or returning subscribers. Websites like Wired often track these deals.
- Rotate subscriptions: Instead of subscribing to multiple services year-round, consider rotating them throughout the year. For instance, subscribe to a sports-heavy service for the fall, then switch to another with different content later.
Conclusion
While a traditional senior discount on streaming services is rare, a few key pathways exist for reduced rates. The most significant opportunities come through targeted programs like Paramount+'s 10% AARP member discount and Amazon's Prime Access, which benefits those receiving government assistance. By exploring these options, leveraging general promotional deals, and employing smart budgeting strategies, older adults can significantly lower their monthly entertainment costs without sacrificing their favorite content. The best approach depends on individual eligibility and the content you want to watch. For the most up-to-date information on eligibility, especially for programs like Prime Access, it's always best to visit the provider's official website.
For more details on Prime Access eligibility, visit the official Amazon Prime Access page at amazon.com/amazonprime?primeCampaignId=accessWlpPrimeRedir.
