Amazon Prime Senior Discount: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Easily
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 58 million seniors (65+) living in the United States as of 2023, a number expected to nearly double by 2060. With living costs climbing, seniors are searching for smart ways to stretch their dollars without giving up convenience or comfort. That’s where Amazon Prime comes in.
Amazon does not offer a universal discount just for being 60 or 65 years old. However, seniors who receive government assistance (like Medicaid or EBT benefits) can qualify for a discounted Prime membership at just $6.99 per month, compared to the regular $14.99 per month.
What is the Amazon Prime Senior Discount?
The Amazon Prime senior discount isn’t a traditional “senior discount” that applies to everyone over a certain age. Instead, it’s a discounted Prime membership for people enrolled in qualifying government assistance programs.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Discounted Prime Membership Price: $6.99 per month
- Regular Prime Membership Price: $14.99 per month or $139 per year
- Savings for Seniors: Nearly $8 per month or about $96 annually
This discount is designed to help those with limited incomes—many of whom are seniors—enjoy the same benefits as regular Prime members at a much lower cost.
Who Qualifies for Amazon Prime’s Senior Discount?
Not all seniors automatically qualify. To get the discounted rate, you must be enrolled in certain government aid programs.
Eligible Programs Include:
- Medicaid – Health coverage for low-income individuals and families, including many seniors.
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Commonly known as food stamps.
- EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) – Used to deliver SNAP benefits.
- Other qualifying assistance programs – Sometimes Amazon accepts additional documents, such as participation in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or other state assistance programs.
A 70-year-old senior who has Medicaid coverage qualifies for the Amazon Prime discount and can pay only $6.99/month. But a 68-year-old retiree not on Medicaid or EBT would need to pay the regular Prime membership rate.
Learn More: How Much is Sam’s Club Membership Fee for Seniors?
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Amazon Prime Senior Discount?
Applying for the Amazon Prime senior discount is quick and can be done entirely online. Here’s the process:
Step 1: Go to the Amazon Prime Discount Page
Visit the Amazon Prime Discount page for government assistance recipients. You can go directly to: amazon.com/qualify.
Step 2: Click “Get Started”
You’ll see an option to begin your discounted membership application.
Step 3: Enter Your Government Assistance Information
Amazon will ask for:
- Your EBT card number or
- Medicaid card details
Don’t worry—Amazon does not use this information for anything other than verifying eligibility.
Step 4: Upload Documentation (If Required)
In some cases, Amazon may ask you to upload proof of enrollment, such as a picture of your Medicaid card or EBT card.
Step 5: Create or Log Into Your Amazon Account
If you already have an Amazon account, log in. If not, you’ll need to set one up with your email address.
Step 6: Start Your Discounted Prime Membership
Once verified, you’ll get access to Prime at $6.99/month. Amazon will charge this amount automatically each month.
What Benefits Do Seniors Get With Amazon Prime?
Once approved, seniors get all the same perks as full-price Prime members. Here’s a breakdown:
- Free Two-Day Shipping – On over 100 million items.
- Same-Day or One-Day Delivery – In many ZIP codes, groceries and essentials arrive within hours.
- Prime Video – Unlimited movies, TV shows, and exclusive content.
- Prime Music – Ad-free streaming of 100 million songs.
- Prime Reading – Access to thousands of free eBooks, magazines, and audiobooks.
- Amazon Pharmacy – Savings on prescriptions, often cheaper than insurance copays.
- Whole Foods Discounts – Extra 10% off sale items in Whole Foods Market stores.
- Amazon Fresh Grocery Delivery – Fast delivery on groceries for seniors who can’t easily get to stores.
A retired couple living in a rural town could save time and transportation costs by using Prime Grocery Delivery and Pharmacy services.
How Much Do Seniors Save With the Discount?
Here’s a quick cost comparison:
| Membership Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Yearly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Prime | $14.99 | $179.88 | — |
| Prime Discount | $6.99 | $83.88 | $96.00 |
That’s 53% savings—more than half the cost knocked off.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
Not every senior will qualify for the $6.99 Prime discount. If you don’t have Medicaid or EBT, here are some alternative ways to save:
- Amazon Prime Free Trial – 30-day free trial for new members.
- Amazon Prime Student – If you’re a senior going back to school, you can get 50% off Prime with a valid student email.
- Shared Prime Accounts – Family members can share a single Prime membership with Amazon Household.
- Amazon Day Delivery – Consolidates shipments into one day each week, saving on shipping costs.
- Annual Membership – Paying $139 upfront instead of $14.99 monthly saves $41.
Tips for Seniors to Maximize Amazon Prime
To get the most bang for your buck:
- Use Prime Video instead of paying for multiple streaming services.
- Take advantage of Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh discounts for grocery savings.
- Try Amazon Pharmacy for cheaper prescriptions.
- Share your account with one other adult through Amazon Household.
- Set delivery notifications so you don’t miss important packages.
Final Thought
Amazon Prime’s senior discount is a huge help for older adults living on fixed incomes. While it isn’t available to every senior by default, those enrolled in Medicaid, EBT, or SNAP can unlock all Prime benefits for just $6.99 per month—a 53% savings compared to the standard price.
From fast shipping to affordable prescriptions and endless entertainment, Prime can make life easier and more affordable for seniors. And even if you don’t qualify, there are still plenty of ways to save by sharing memberships, using free trials, and maximizing grocery and pharmacy benefits.
If you or a loved one qualify, don’t wait—head to Amazon’s Discount Page and apply today.
FAQs
Does Amazon offer a discount for seniors over 65?
No, age alone doesn’t qualify. Seniors must be on Medicaid, EBT, or other government aid to get the discount.
How much is Amazon Prime for seniors with Medicaid?
It’s $6.99 per month instead of $14.99.
Can I use my Social Security benefits to qualify?
No. Social Security or SSI alone does not qualify you for the Prime discount. You must be enrolled in Medicaid or SNAP/EBT.
Can two seniors in the same household use one Prime account?
Yes. With Amazon Household, two adults can share one Prime membership.
Is the Amazon Prime senior discount available in every state?
Yes, as long as you have valid Medicaid or EBT benefits.
