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There are many benefits of Amazon Prime for seniors, and I’m going to explain the top nine.
I don’t know about you, but I would much rather enjoy free shipping and discounts from the privacy of my own home. I really don’t want to drive if I don’t have to.
I don’t want to look for parking or deal with traffic.
I don’t want to pay extra for gas or worry about the driving conditions. I only write about things I believe in, use myself, or have a deep interest in. That’s why I’m writing about Amazon Prime for seniors.
While there’s no specific program designed only for seniors, Amazon does offer an amazing subscription for people considered to be in a low income-tax bracket. The reality is that many seniors fall within this category.
If you’re a senior looking for an Amazon Prime membership discount, you’re in the right place.
Did you know that qualifying EBT and government assistance recipients can save 50% on the monthly Prime membership through Prime Access?
How to Sign Up for Prime Access
To qualify, you’ll first need to verify that you are in receipt of government assistance, including SNAP, EBT, and Medicaid.
Basically, government assistance recipients still get all of the great benefits mentioned noted above, but a lower cost on the monthly membership, along with exclusive discounts.
The good news is that Amazon recognizes a wide variety of government assistance programs. Eligible individuals will be able to take advantage of a reduced monthly subscription fee while still benefitting from everything Amazon Prime has to offer.
​Choose one of the government programs below and follow the instructions to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. It basically involves uploading an image, entering your credit card details, and clicking the “verify and join Prime” button.
Here’s what to do if you receive SSI
You’ll need to upload an image of the complete eligibility letter for Supplemental Security Income, which is different from Social Security and SSDI.
Visit Prime Access and select your verification method from the dropdown menu. You have the option of applying through SNAP, Medicaid, Other, or Tax Transcripts.
If you are receiving SSI benefits, choose “other”. Continue to complete the form and then click Verify and join Prime.
Here’s what to do if you receive the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
All you need to do is enter your EBT number and upload an image of your EBT card. If you have trouble finding your card or remembering the number, read How to Get My EBT Card Number Without the Card.
Visit Prime Access and select your verification method from the dropdown menu. In this case, you’ll want to choose SNAP and then continue on to complete the rest of the form.
​Here’s how to get Amazon Prime for Seniors With Medicaid:
Upload image of your Medicaid eligibility letter. For more information on how to upload your photo using a web browser, open Amazon Photos, select the ADD icon on the top right, choose Upload Photos, and then click the photos you want to upload.
Visit Prime Access and select your verification method from the dropdown menu. in this case, you’ll want to choose Medicaid, then continue on to complete the form.
Once completed, click Verify and joint Prime.
If you don’t have, or can’t find the card of letter to upload, you can opt for “instant verification”. A 3rd party will review your application in this case.
Here’s how to get Amazon Prime for Seniors with Direct Express Debit Cards.
Once again, it’s just a matter of uploading an image of your DE card to Amazon Prime Access.
If you don’t have a document to upload, you can opt to be verified instantly through a 3rd party.
Get started by clicking on the Try Prime Access free for 30 days button.
Apply for Amazon Prime for Seniors if you Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF):
Just as before, you only need to upload an image of your eligibility letter. Again, you can also choose the Instant Verification option if you can’t find or are unable to upload the image.
Get started by clicking on the Try Prime Access free for 30 days button.
Apply for Amazon Prime for Seniors if you participant in the National School Lunch Program.
Are you the caregiver to students receiving this program? If so you may be able to receive Amazon prime at a special, discounted price.
You’ll need to upload an image of the letter showing current participation in the program. However, if you can’t find the letter, you can always try to get in through the Instant Verification method.
You’ll see the option to do that by clicking on Try Prime Access for free for 30 days button.
​Other Eligible Government Programs
Amazon Prime recognizes a variety of other government programs in the United States, including:
- LIHEAP: Image of letter confirming your eligibility for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
- WIC: Image of eligibility letter for the Women, Infants, and Children program.
- TTANF: Image of Tribal assistance eligibility letter.
- NAP: Upload image of Family Card for Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance Program.
Tips for Successful Eligibility
When submitting your image, make sure it’s clear and easy to read. It must show the issue date, and must have been issued within the last 12 months.
The expiry date and the beneficiary name must also be valid.
If you reverify your eligibility every 12 months, you receive the discount for up to four years from the date you sign up. Don’t worry about forgetting, Amazon will send you an email when it’s time to reverify your document.
Unless you cancel your membership, at the end of the 4th year, you can sign up for a different Prime membership.
9 Money Saving Benefits of Amazon Prime for Seniors
Here are 9 money-saving benefits of Amazon Prime for seniors, along with key features that make it a valuable tool for anyone looking to cut costs.
1. Free Two-Day Shipping or Same-Day Delivery
Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping on eligible items. Items that don’t qualify for this offer include:
- Items sold by Amazon Marketplace sellers (if they’re not marked as Prime-eligible).
- Magazine subscriptions.
- Personalized Gift Cards.
- If an item isn’t marked as “Prime” eligible, it doesn’t qualify for free shipping.
- Free two-day shipping doesn’t apply to addresses in the US territories, possessions, and protectorates. These include American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, United States Virgin Islands, and minor outlying islands.
Certain zip codes within the US are able to get same-day delivery for eligible items. See if you qualify at Same Day Delivery.
Let’s see if YOU Qualify for Prime Access!
Qualifying EBT and government assistance recipients can save 50% on the monthly Prime membership with Prime Access.
Try it now by clicking on the button below!
2. Exclusive Discounts
Amazon Prime offers exclusive discounts on various products, allowing seniors to take advantage of special deals and lower prices not available to non-members.
​Discounts like these are only available to Prime members. What I really like is the option to try Prime Access free for 30 days. Income-verified customers can access of of Prime for just $6.99 per month!
3. Prime Video
With unlimited streaming of thousands of TV shows and movies, Prime Video is a great way for seniors to enjoy entertainment without the additional cost of other streaming services.
Since its inception, Prime Video has decided to offer the same quality streaming, but with the addition of short ads.
Did you know that a global survey conducted in October 2023 shows that one in three respondents support Amazon’s decision to launch an ad-supported tier?
​You can choose to avoid ads entirely for only $2.99 a month. That’s not bad!
4. Prime Reading
​Another great deal offered by Amazon Prime for seniors is the reading subscription.
Prime members have access to Prime Reading, which includes a rotating selection of eBooks, magazines, and more.
This is a great way for avid readers to enjoy a wide range of literature without spending extra money.
Again, if you’re an income-verified customer, you get all of the Prime member benefits at no additional cost.
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5. Amazon Fresh
​​It’s no secret that grocery prices are inching skyward all the time. Who can afford the cost of groceries these days, especially if you’re a senior on a budget.
​If you become a Prime Access customer, you’ll benefit from big savings in groceries. For example, Prime exclusive deals can save you up to 50% off on some grocery items. There are new deals all the time.
Seniors can save on grocery delivery with Amazon Fresh, which offers fresh produce, meat, and pantry staples delivered to their door, often at competitive prices.
Now that you’re a Price Access Member, let’s see your savings!
LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S TOP PRIME EXCLUSIVE DEALS
6. Prime Try Before You Buy
This feature allows seniors to try on clothing and shoes before buying, eliminating the need to pay upfront and helping avoid returns and extra shipping costs.
Here’s how it works:
- Just add “Prime Try Before You Buy” items to your “Prime Before You Buy” shopping cart. You’ll need to add at least one item.
- Once you place your order, you’ll notice that the checkout process is a little different than it is for other items on Amazon. The process, however, is similar.
- Once you’ve placed your order, it may take four to six business days for your items to arrive. The 7-Day Trial Period only starts when your last item arrives.
- Once you have your items, you can try them out! Just make sure to let Amazon know what you want to keep within the 7 day trial period. It’s easy! Just go to your account and click on Your Orders. You’ll be charged for whatever you are keeping at the end of the 7 day free trial.
- Return what you don’t want within 7 days of the 7 day free trial.
- Wait for your return confirmation (it should show up in your email).
- You also have the option of tracking your orders by visiting your account page and clicking on Your Orders.
7. Prime Music
Prime Music offers access to over two million songs and thousands of playlists and stations at no additional cost, perfect for seniors who love music.
8. Amazon Household
Seniors can share their Amazon Prime benefits with other family members through Amazon Household, making it a great way to spread the savings across the family.
9. Amazon Pharmacy
Seniors can save on prescription medications with Amazon Pharmacy, which offers competitive pricing and home delivery. Prime members can save up to 80% with exclusive discounts!
Most insurance plans are accepted, every order is checked and verified by a US licensed pharmacist before it goes out for delivery, and for just $5.00 a month, you can get easy access (and free delivery) to all of your important medication.
Conclusion
There’s no question that Prime for seniors is a great option for your needs.
Your Amazon Prime subscription offers you a free 30-day trial for many programs, super deals for people on a government assistance program, early access to deals that others can’t get, and more.
​It’s a bit like having most of your needs met under one “roof”.
If you’re an American senior receiving certain government assistance, you should see if you qualify for Prime Access. You can try it out for free for 30 days if you want to!
​There’s no sneak attacks on your budget either.
You get exactly what’s promised and if you decide, for whatever reason, that you don’t like it, you can cancel your membership.
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