Millions of people have been enjoying the convenience of e-commerce for years. And in the post-pandemic world, many more are taking advantage of online shopping. Throughout all of this, Amazon quickly emerged as the world’s most popular online retailer. With all the additional benefits, many shoppers are also opting for their premium membership. However, elderly and low-income shoppers are worried that they will not be able to afford the membership fee on a fixed income. You may be surprised to learn that Amazon offers discounts for people in these situations. But how much is an Amazon Prime membership for seniors?
What Is Amazon Prime?
Amazon Prime is the name of the premium membership provided by Amazon that gives subscribers special benefits. For an annual fee, members get free delivery (including same-day options in some cities) as well as free shipping. They also gain access to Prime Video, Amazon Music, Prime Gaming, Prime Reading, Amazon Photos, and discounts at Whole Foods. However, one of the most attractive features is the added savings on Prime Day and other exclusive deals on thousands of items.
There are added conveniences for seniors as well. They can take advantage of fast, free delivery on groceries to save time and the trouble of going themselves. Shoppers at Whole Foods will complete your order, and then you have the option to schedule a two-hour delivery or a one-hour in-store pickup. Amazon also offers many SNAP-eligible groceries to help low-income households access healthy food.
Additionally, senior citizens can quickly refill medications by signing up for subscriptions through Amazon Pharmacy. They can even take advantage of Prime coupons that offer up to 30% off the final bill.
How Much Is an Amazon Prime Membership for Seniors?
Despite the relatively high cost compared to other discount-buying clubs, most people agree that the membership is an excellent value for your money. Normally, an Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 a month or $139 a year if you pay the annual fee upfront.
However, there are discounted rates available through the Prime Access program. Seniors who receive government assistance can now qualify for a significantly discounted rate of $6.99 a month. Households within 150% of the federal poverty guidelines may also be eligible for Prime Access.
What Do You Need to Qualify?
The good news is that there are no age restrictions to receive the discount. But to qualify for the lower rate, you must live in the territory of the United States, and seniors must enroll in Prime Access, either through one of the eligible government assistance programs or income verification. Keep in mind that you must provide proof of eligibility when you sign up. When you present an image of either your benefit card or letter of eligibility, the following programs will qualify you for the discount:
- 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’s Nutrition Assistance Program)
Low-income seniors whose earnings don’t exceed 150% of the federal poverty guideline may also qualify for Prime Access. However, keep in mind that an AARP membership alone won’t make you eligible for the discount.
If you are accepted into Prime Access, you’ll need to renew your eligibility every year, but there is no time limit.
How Do You Sign Up?
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 program as long as they’re eligible. More information about the Prime Access program is here.
Signing up is a three-step process.
- Go to amazon.com/primeaccess.
- Select Get Started.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your EBT card or another qualifying document.
After you follow the instructions to verify your card or document, you will automatically get a discount on Amazon Prime. You will need to reverify your eligibility every 12 months, and the discount will last up to four years as long as you reverify. Amazon will send you an email when it’s time to do this.
Important note: unless you cancel your membership, at the end of the fourth year, you can sign up for a different Prime membership.
Providing Proof of Eligibility
Amazon says you can prove eligibility in one of two ways. You can either instantly verify through third-party income estimation or upload a qualifying document. If you choose the second option, you’ll need to provide a legible image of your benefit card or eligibility letter. It must clearly show the expiration or issue date and the beneficiary’s name.
The interface looks like this:
Once you complete the eligibility verification, you must then enter a payment method that will be charged after the trial ends. Finally, select “continue” to finish your application. By following a few simple steps and providing all the necessary information, you will be able to enjoy an Amazon Prime membership at a huge discount.
You’ll need to reverify your eligibility for Prime Access every 12 months. But don’t worry about forgetting to reupload your documents—Amazon will send you an email to remind you whenever it’s time to do so.
You can find the Prime Access program here.
Does The Discounted Rate Give You Full Prime Access?
Yes. Prime Access members receive the full suite of Prime benefits. For example, Prime Day deals, Amazon Pharmacy discounts, and Whole Foods savings are fully accessible under Prime Access. For seniors, this is especially helpful, as Prime includes:
- Free two-day shipping on essentials like groceries or mobility aids
- Prime Video for entertainment to combat isolation
- Kindle Unlimited for accessible reading
- Alexa integration for hands-free smart home assistance, which can aid aging in place or fixed-income living.
Is Prime Access Worth The Hassle?
According to JP Morgan analyst Doug Anmuth, the value of the services offered by Amazon Prime, if purchased separately, is over $1,100 per year (via Investing.com).
Otherwise, if you look at other cost-effectiveness studies of Amazon Prime, most conclude that membership is worth the cost for those who frequently shop on Amazon or use its bundled entertainment services, but is less valuable for infrequent users.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If you don’t qualify for Prime Access, there are other ways to save money on an Amazon membership. Some of these are:
- If you are not eligible for Prime Access, making a one-time annual up-front payment for Amazon Prime could be more cost-effective than paying monthly. If you make a payment each month ($14.99), you would pay $179.88 for the whole year. When you pay yearly, the cost is $139, which saves you $40.88 (here).
- Amazon Prime offers a 30-day free trial. Keep in mind that your membership automatically upgrades once the trial ends.
- Amazon allows people to share Prime accounts with their family members. You can always ask a family member who has an Amazon account to share their account with you.
- Any Amazon gift card can be used towards a Prime membership.
Lastly, Prime Student is another money-saving option for anyone who’s in school. Individuals who are currently enrolled in college (and young adults between the ages of 18 to 24) may qualify for a discounted Prime rate of just $69 per year. Right now, students can receive a free six-month Prime trial to test out the service.
Do you think Amazon Prime membership is worth it? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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James Hendrickson is an internet entrepreneur, digital publishing junky, hunter and personal finance geek. When he’s not lurking in coffee shops in Portland, Oregon, you’ll find him in the Pacific Northwest’s great outdoors. James has a masters degree in Sociology from the University of Maryland at College Park and a Bachelors degree on Sociology from Earlham College. He loves individual stocks, bonds and precious metals.
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