Millions of people have been enjoying the convenience of e-commerce for years. In the post-pandemic world, more and more people are taking advantage of online shopping. In the process of it all, Amazon has quickly become the most popular online retailer in the world. Considering all the extra benefits, many shoppers also opt for a premium membership. However, seniors and low-income shoppers worry they won’t be able to afford memberships on regular incomes. You might be surprised to know that Amazon offers discounts for people in these situations. But how much does an Amazon senior membership cost?
What is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is the name of the premium membership offered by Amazon that offers special benefits to subscribers. For an annual fee, members receive free shipping (including same-day delivery options in select cities) as well as free shipping. They can also access discounts on Prime Video, Amazon Music, Prime Gaming, Prime Reading, Amazon Photos, and Whole Foods. However, one of the most attractive features is the extra savings on Prime Day and other exclusive deals on thousands of items.
More conveniences are also provided for senior citizens. They can take advantage of fast, free grocery delivery services to save time and the hassle of going themselves. A Whole Foods shopper will fulfill your order, and you can then choose to schedule two-hour delivery or one-hour in-store pickup. Amazon also offers many SNAP-eligible groceries to help low-income families obtain healthy food.
Additionally, seniors can quickly refill their medications through an Amazon Pharmacy subscription. They can even take advantage of Prime coupons to get up to 30% off their final bill.
How much does Amazon Prime membership cost for seniors?
Although the cost is relatively high compared to other discount buying clubs, most people agree that membership is well worth the money. Typically, Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month, or $139 per year if you pay the annual fee upfront.
However, discounted prices are available through the Prime Access program. Seniors receiving government assistance now receive a steep discount of $6.99 per month. Households within 150% of the federal poverty level may also qualify for Prime Access.
What qualifications do you need?
The good news is there is no age limit to take advantage of the discount. But to qualify for the lower rates, you must live in the United States, and seniors must be enrolled in Prime Access through one of the eligible government assistance programs or through income verification. Remember, you must provide proof of eligibility when you register. The following programs will qualify you for discounts when you show a picture of your benefit card or proof of eligibility:
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- Medicaid
- DE (Direct Express)
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
- NSLP (National School Lunch Program)
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- TTANF (Tribal Assistance)
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)
- NAP (Puerto Rico Nutrition Assistance Program)
Low-income seniors whose income does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level may also qualify for Prime Access. However, keep in mind that AARP membership alone does not qualify you for discounts.
If you are accepted into Prime Access, you will renew your eligibility annually, but there is no time limit.
How do you register?
To receive the discount, you must create an Amazon account by entering your email and choosing a password. Current Prime members can also switch to the Prime Access plan as long as they qualify. The Prime Access program is here.
After signing up, go to the Accounts & Lists tab and select Prime Membership from the drop-down menu. As you search through all membership options, look for the “Qualified Government Assistance” button. Then select it to navigate to the Prime Access page.
You’ll see a yellow button to start your 30-day free trial. However, you will need to provide proof of eligibility, either showing your participation in a government program or confirming your income.
Provide proof of qualifications
Amazon says you can prove eligibility in one of two ways. You can instantly verify with a third-party revenue estimate or upload qualifying documents. If you choose the second option, you will need to provide a clear image of your benefit card or eligibility letter. It must clearly show the expiry or issue date and the name of the beneficiary.
The interface is as follows:
After completing eligibility verification, you must enter a payment method that will be charged after the trial ends. Finally, select “Continue” to complete your application. By following a few simple steps and providing all the necessary information, you will be able to enjoy Amazon Prime membership at a huge discount.
You need to re-verify your Prime Access eligibility every 12 months. But don’t worry about forgetting to re-upload the document – Amazon will send you an email reminding you when you need to do this.
You can find the Prime Access plan here.
Does the discounted rate get you full Prime access?
Yes. Prime Access members enjoy the full suite of Prime benefits. For example, Prime Day deals, Amazon pharmacy discounts, and Whole Foods deals are all fully available under Prime Access. For seniors, this is especially helpful because Prime includes:
- Free two-day shipping on essentials like groceries or walking aids
- Prime Video provides entertainment to combat isolation
- Kindle Unlimited for easy reading
- Alexa integration provides hands-free smart home assistance that can aid in home-based aging or fixed-income living.
Is Prime Access worth the trouble?
JP Morgan analyst Doug Anmuth said that if purchased separately, Amazon Prime offers services worth more than $1,100 per year (via Investing.com).
Otherwise, if you look at other cost-benefit studies of Amazon Prime, most would conclude that membership is worth it for those who frequently shop at Amazon or use its bundled entertainment services, but not so much for infrequent users.
What if you don’t qualify?
If you don’t qualify for Prime Access, there are other ways to save on Amazon membership. Some of them are:
- If you don’t qualify for Prime Access, it may be more cost-effective to pay an annual upfront Amazon Prime fee instead of paying monthly. If you pay monthly ($14.99), you’ll pay $179.88 for the full year. When paying annually, the cost is $139, saving $40.88 (here).
- Amazon Prime offers a 30-day free trial. Remember, your membership will automatically upgrade after your trial period ends.
- Amazon allows people to share primary accounts with family members. You can always ask family members who have Amazon to share their account with you.
- Any Amazon gift card can be used toward a premium membership.
Finally, Prime Student is another money-saving option for current students. Individuals currently enrolled in college (as well as young adults between the ages of 18 and 24) may qualify for a discounted rate of only $69 per year. Now, students can get a free six-month Prime trial to test the service.
Do you think Amazon Prime is worth it? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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