Verizon does offer discounts for people 55 and older, but the savings vary by plan and location

Verizon's senior discount program is called the Verizon Senior Discount, and it reduces your monthly bill by a set amount rather than a percentage. The discount applies to individual lines on postpaid plans — the kind where you pay a monthly bill, not prepaid plans where you buy service in advance. The exact discount amount depends on which Verizon plan you have and which state you live in, because some states regulate what wireless companies can offer.

You do not need to be retired or on any government benefit to may have access to. You only need to be 55 or older and have a valid ID that shows your age. Verizon also offers a separate discount for customers who are on certain government information programs, which is different from the age-based senior discount and sometimes larger.

Key Takeaways

  • Verizon's senior discount applies to people 55 and older on postpaid plans and reduces your monthly bill by a fixed dollar amount, not a percentage.
  • The discount amount varies by state and by which Verizon plan you have, so you need to ask Verizon directly what your specific discount would be.
  • You must show a valid ID proving your age when you sign up for the discount or add it to an existing account.
  • Verizon also offers a separate discount for customers on government information programs like SNAP or Medicaid, which may be larger than the age-based discount.

How much the discount actually saves you

Verizon does not publish a single discount amount on its website because the savings differ by state. Some states allow Verizon to offer larger discounts than others. The discount typically ranges from $5 to $15 per line per month, but the exact figure for your account depends on your plan and your state.

The best way to find out what you would save is to call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 and ask about the senior discount for your specific plan and state. A representative can tell you the exact amount before you commit to anything. You can also visit a Verizon store in person and ask — they can look up the discount for your situation on the spot.

What plans may have access to for the senior discount

The senior discount works on Verizon's postpaid plans, which means plans where you receive a bill each month. This includes Verizon's standard unlimited plans and some of their lower-cost plans. The discount does not work on prepaid plans like Verizon Prepaid or Verizon's pay-as-you-go service.

If you are on a family plan, each line on that plan can receive the senior discount if the person using that line is 55 or older. So if you have a family plan with four lines and two people on it are seniors, both of those lines can get the discount. The discount stacks with some other Verizon offers, but not all — ask Verizon whether your discount can combine with any other deals you might be using.

How to add the senior discount to your account

You can add the senior discount to a new account when you sign up, or add it to an existing account at any time. You will need to show Verizon a valid government-issued ID that proves you are 55 or older — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.

To add the discount to an existing account, call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 or visit a Verizon store with your ID. You can also manage your account online at verizon.com, though you may need to call to complete the discount request because Verizon needs to verify your age. The discount usually takes effect on your next billing cycle, not when ready.

The government information discount might save you more

Verizon also offers a discount for customers who receive benefits through certain government programs. This discount is separate from the age-based senior discount and is sometimes larger. The programs that may have access to include SNAP (food information), Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), and several others that vary by state.

If you are 55 or older and also receive one of these benefits, you may be able to use whichever discount is larger, or in some cases both. Call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 and mention that you receive government information — they can tell you what discount you may have access to for and which option saves you the most money.

Other ways to lower your Verizon bill

Beyond the senior discount, Verizon offers other ways to reduce your monthly cost. If you are a member of certain groups — AARP, military, first responders, teachers — you may may have access to for a discount. Verizon also sometimes offers promotional discounts when you switch from another carrier or sign up for autopay and paperless billing.

You can combine some of these discounts, but not all. For example, you might be able to use the senior discount plus the autopay discount, but you cannot use the senior discount and the AARP discount at the same time. Ask Verizon which discounts can stack together for your specific situation.

What happens if you turn 55 while you are already a customer

If you are already a Verizon customer and you turn 55, you can add the senior discount to your account at any time. You do not have to wait until your contract renews or your billing cycle changes. Just call Verizon, visit a store, or try adding it through your online account, and bring your ID to prove your age.

Verizon will not automatically add the discount when you turn 55 — you have to request it yourself. There is no important date or time limit, so you can add it whenever you want, but the sooner you ask, the sooner you start saving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the senior discount if I have a family plan with people under 55?

Yes. Each line on a family plan can get the senior discount if the person using that line is 55 or older. So if you have a four-line family plan and you and your spouse are both 55 or older, both of your lines get the discount. Your adult children on the same plan would not get it unless they are also 55 or older.

What ID do I need to show for the senior discount?

Any valid government-issued ID that shows your date of birth works — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport. Verizon needs to see it to verify you are 55 or older. If you are adding the discount by phone, you may be able to provide the information verbally, but Verizon may ask you to visit a store or mail a copy of your ID to complete the request.

Does the senior discount work on prepaid plans?

No. The senior discount only works on postpaid plans, where you receive a monthly bill. If you use Verizon Prepaid or another prepaid service, you do not may have access to for the age-based senior discount. You may still may have access to for the government information discount if you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.

Can I use both the senior discount and the AARP discount?

No. Verizon does not allow you to combine the senior discount with the AARP discount — you have to choose one or the other. Ask Verizon which one saves you more money on your specific plan, and use that one. You may be able to combine the senior discount with other offers like autopay discounts, but ask Verizon first.

How long does it take for the senior discount to show up on my bill?

The discount usually appears on your next billing cycle after you request it, which could be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on when in your cycle you add it. It does not take effect when ready. If you do not see the discount on your next bill, call Verizon to confirm it was added to your account.