Does Verizon Offer a Senior Discount in 2024? Yes, But There‘s a Catch
As a telecommunications expert with over 10 years of experience, I‘m often asked if Verizon offers any senior discounts. With around 54 million Americans over 65 years old in 2022 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, it‘s no wonder that seniors are looking for ways to save money on their wireless bills. Verizon does offer a 55+ plan targeted at seniors, but it comes with some limitations.
Overview of Verizon‘s 55+ Plan
Verizon‘s 55+ plan offers unlimited talk, text, and data on the Verizon network for $40/month per line with two lines. This represents around $10-20 in savings per month per line compared to regular unlimited plans.
According to a Verizon press release, the 55+ plan includes these features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Available nationwide |
| Monthly Price | $80 for two lines ($40 per line) with autopay |
| Data | Unlimited 4G LTE data |
| Mobile Hotspot | Unlimited, 600 Kbps max speeds |
| Video Streaming | 480p quality |
| Extras | Mexico & Canada usage included |
This plan was previously only offered in Florida but expanded nationwide in 2022. Verizon also upgraded the video streaming from DVD quality to 480p and added Mexico/Canada usage last year.
Who Can Get Verizon‘s Senior Discount?
Despite being called a "senior" plan, the eligibility requirements are fairly broad for Verizon‘s 55+ discount:
- The account holder must be 55+ years old
- The second line can be any age, doesn‘t need to be a senior
So married couples with one spouse 55+ can get a discount on two lines. Unfortunately, the plan only allows for two lines maximum.
Seniors Want Discounts – But Plans Have Limitations
A 2021 AARP study found that 86% of seniors over 50 consider cell phone discounts an important factor when choosing mobile providers. And 84% would likely switch carriers if offered a better discount.
However, Verizon‘s 55+ plan has some significant limitations:
- Only 2 lines allowed per account
- Video streaming is limited to 480p quality
- Mobile hotspot speeds capped at 600 Kbps (many plans offer 4G speeds)
For seniors with multiple family members on a plan or wanting premium features, the Verizon senior discount may not meet their needs.
Are Any Other Discounts Available?
Beyond the 55+ plan, Verizon does not offer any other senior-specific discounts. However, there are a few options that may help seniors save:
- Affordable Connectivity Program – Offers up to $30/month discount for eligible low-income households. Over 14 million households have enrolled since 2021.
- Promotions for New Customers – Occasional deals for new customers could provide savings, but terms are limited.
- Bring Your Own Device – Avoid device payment fees by bringing your own phone. Typical payments are $20-40/month for new devices.
Seniors should also compare discount prepaid plans from other carriers that may provide lower prices and more flexibility than the Verizon 55+ plan.
The Bottom Line
While any discount is appreciated, the Verizon 55+ plan has limits that may make it unsuitable for many seniors wanting to maximize savings. I recommend that seniors looking for wireless discounts thoroughly compare all options, including prepaid carriers, ACP program enrollment, and any new customer promotions available.
Being on a fixed income requires finding savings anywhere you can. Although Verizon does offer a senior discount plan, the limitations mean it may not provide the value and flexibility that many seniors need from their wireless provider.
