15 Discounts and Benefits Seniors Are Entitled To But Often Forget to Claim (DiscountForward)

Everyone knows about everday senior discounts at restaurants and retailers, but many overlook some of the greatest benefits and special programs available to seniors. Unfortunately many Americans are missing out entirely, simply because they don’t know these programs exist.

That’s why we put together this list of the top discounts and benefits for seniors that we could find for 2020.

1. Collecting Social Security? Consider a “Do-Over” and Get a Benefits Boost

An obscure tax law allows those who collect social security to halt current benefits, pay back everything collected (interest-free), and restart benefits at a new, higher rate based on your current age. It’s called “do-over” and it can dramatically increase social security.

Here’s how it works… Let’s say someone qualifies for full benefits of $1,600 a month at their normal retirement age of 66, but they decide to begin collecting benefits at 62. As a result, their retirement benefits will be reduced by 25% for the rest of their life (to $1,200 a month in this example) because they’ll be collecting a smaller benefit for a longer period of time.

On the other hand, if that person delayed collecting benefits, they will receive an 8% credit for every year beyond their normal retirement age until they reach 70, when their maximum benefit will be 132% of what they would have received at age 66. In this example, this person would receive about $2,100 a month at 70 — a $900 difference!

Most don’t realize this option is available to them, but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. Be sure to crunch the numbers and speak with a qualified advisor before doing anything drastic.

2. Cell Phone Plan Discounts

Did you know that many of the large phone companies offers special discounts to senior citizens? These discounts add up quick! Keep in mind that deals may vary and can change without notice.

• AT&T – plan for over 65s that costs $29.99 per month. You’ll get 200 anytime minutes, and 500 for evenings and weekends.
• GreatCall – a senior plan for $14.99. However they do have various additional fees, so expect to pay a little bit more. The plan offers health and safety tools, which include 24/7 access to urgent care, medication and refill reminders, daily automated calls to check in with you and much more. This plan works best with a Jitterbug phone, which is especially easy and comfortable to use.
• T-Mobile – plan for $70 a month for seniors 55+, which gives you 2 lines with unlimited talk, text and LTE data.
• Verizon Nationwide – 65 Plus Plan where you can get a plan for $29.99 that includes 200 minutes and unlimited text messaging, it also comes with 2GB of internet so you can browse your favorite websites from your phone. Keep in mind, however, that this plan is not available for new Verizon customers.
• Consumer Cellular – a plan that includes unlimited talk for $30.

3. Join This Discounts Club and Get Exclusive Coupons & Discounts at 350,000 Stores & Restaurants

Prime Discounts membership gives you access to huge discounts, deals, coupons and more.

With a Prime Discounts membership you get a discount at over 350,000 participating locations across United States and up to 70% OFF from America’s top brands. The discounts available to members range from big national brands to a lot of local businesses. So you will always find deals and discounts near wherever you live.

We’ve tried this discount club ourselves and we love it. One of our staff writers managed to save over $300 a month using exclusive coupons and discounts she found on Prime Discounts website. You can literally save thousands of dollars each year paying for stuff you would have to pay for anyway.

P.S. Not everyone may qualify to join this discounts club, but you can easily check if you qualify for free.

4. Eating Out Discounts

If you don’t feel like cooking be sure to turn to these places for good senior dining deals. From fast food to steak restaurants, our compiled restaurant list will definitely help you make your choice.

Keep in mind that deals may vary at participating locations and can change without notice.

• McDonald’s: discounts on coffee and beverages (55+)
• Whataburger: free drink with purchase of a meal, depending on location (55+)
• Wendy’s: give free coffee or other discounts depending on location
• Piccadilly Cafeteria – 10% discount with “Prime Time for Seniors” card
• IHOP – 10% discount (55+) and a menu for people aged 55 and over at participating locations
• Golden Corral: Senior discount varies by location
• Krispy Kreme Senior Discount: 10% off (50+) (age and discount varies depending on location)
• Perkins Restaurants: Fifty-Five Plus menu Offers special deals (55+)
• Subway: 10% off (60+) varies by location
• The Old Spaghetti Factory: Spaghetti Factory “Senior Menu” offers discounted list of menu items
• Uno Pizzaria & Grill: “Double Nickel Club” 25% off on Wednesday (55+)
• Sizzler: Offers “Honored Guest Menu” (60+) varies by location
• Papa John’s Senior Discount: check with your local stores (no standard senior discount policy)
• Old Country Buffet: Daily discounts for seniors (55+)
• Friendly’s Restaurants: 10% off meal w/ free coffee at breakfast or free small sunday during non-breakfast hours
• Fazoli’s: Join “Club 62” for special senior menu items (62+)
• KFC: free small drink with any meal depending on location (55+)
• Country Kitchen: Great Senior Menu (55+)
• Burger King: 10% discount on purchase depending on location (60+)

5. Drugstore Discounts

Medicine becomes essential as your body ages. And that need for medicine can really hurt your wallet. Here are various drugstores that offer discounts to senior citizens. Keep in mind that discounts may vary by location.

• CVS Pharmacy: Those enrolled in the CVS ExtraCare Savings and Rewards program can save more with coupons in-store and online via the ExtraCare Coupon Center. As you shop and fill prescriptions, you also earn ExtraBucks Rewards.
• Rite Aid: You can get 20% off brand-name and generic prescription drugs with the Rite Aid Rx Savings Program. Sign up today and get an Rx Savings Card that will give you access to thousands of exclusive discounts at Rite Aid pharmacies!
• Costco Member Prescription Program: You and your family members can save up to 80% (at time of sale) with the Costco Member Prescription Program. If you have no prescription drug insurance, or if you do and it does not cover all your prescription medications – this the program that will help you save loads.
• Narcup: If you don’t have prescription drug insurance (or if it doesn’t cover all your medications), get the Narcup prescription discount card for free and save up to 50% on FDA approved drugs. Good to know – they also cover certain pet medications!
• Kmart: To get covered for most generic drugs (starting at $5 for a 30-day supply or at $10 for a 90-day supply), 10% of pet prescription and 25% off vaccinations join the Prescription Savings Club at Kmart (Pharmacy Savings Plus). It will cost you only $15 per household or $10 per person (annually).
• Walgreens Prescription Savings Club: Get exclusive discounts and special offers with your Prescription Savings Club Card. Membership fee –  $20/person or $35/household annually. The best part – if you don’t save at least the cost if your membership fee, Walgreens will pay you the difference!
• Walmart Pharmacy Services: The company offers low-cost generic prescription medications, $4 refills for generics, branded drugs, and even pet medications. Check Walmart drug list to see how much you can save on your medications.

6. Homeowners Get $3,252/year Taken Off Their Mortgage With The New Federal “Relief Program”

If you’re a homeowner, this one thing could save yourself thousands of dollars this year…

The Fed recently issued new mortgage guidelines, which allows the average homeowner to get $3,252/year (or $271/month) taken off their mortgage as early as this January.

There’s no telling how soon the Relief Program will expire, so it’s suggested that homeowners complete the mortgage relief survey to check their eligibility right away.

While the banks happily wait for the program to end, a final push is urging homeowners to take advantage. The Relief Program is currently active but could be shut down at any given time. The good news is that once you’re in, you’re in.

So if reducing your payments by $271/month, paying off your mortgage faster, or even taking some cash out would help you, it’s important to check your eligibility here. Checking your eligibility is quick and completely free!

7. Shopping Discounts

At Kohl’s on Wednesdays, over 60s can get 15% off. And on Tuesdays, outlet stores Marshall’s, Ross will offer up a 10% discount for seniors – though the exact age is determined by each store.

Walgreens hold a “Seniors Day” once a month too – which varies by location. Discounts of 20% are available for Rewards card members that are over 55 years old in store, and if you’re shopping online you can get a 10% price reduction.

If you are 62 or older, you can get a 10% discount every Tuesday and Wednesday at Dress Barn. And that’s not all, Stein Mart are treating over 55s with their clearance offer. On the first Monday of each month, you can get an extra 20% discount on clearance items. Goodwill gives 10%-20% discounts varying by store. 

Just remember to check with the specific store in your area, as discounts might vary and change without notice.

8. Discount on Car Insurance

Did you know that depending on your age, driving record and other factors you could get a huge discount on car insurance? Most people don’t even know these discounts exist.

Recent studies indicate that only 5% of American drivers are paying less than $50 per month for car insurance. That is probably because they are not taking advantage of the multiple discounts available to them. Click here to see how you can save $400+ on car insurance.

9. Save on Groceries

Once you’ve used your senior discount at all of your favorite restaurants, you’ll need to buy some groceries. Lots of stores give a senior discount – you just need to ask.

Keep in mind that discounts and deals may vary and can change without notice.

• Farm Fresh – 5% discount Tuesdays and Thursdays (55+)
• Hy-Vee – depending on location will usually offer 5% discount on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (some stores set age to 65+)
• Fred Meyer – 10% senior discount on the first Tuesday of every month
• New Seasons Market – 10% discount every Wednesday
• Compare Food Supermarket – 10% discount in participating locations, get in touch with your local store to find out more
• Piggly Wiggly – varying discounts at participating locations
• Fry’s Food – 10% discount on the first Wednesday of every month to all seniors with VIP card.

10. Owe More Than $20,000 in Credit Card Debt? Use This Brilliant Debt Payoff Plan

Owe a lot of money in a credit card debt? This is what credit companies don’t want you to find out:

If you owe more than $20,000 in credit card debt, this proven debt relief program made available by Freedom Debt Relief can reduce the amount of money you owe. You can resolve your debt with no requirement of loans and thus become debt free in just 24 – 48months. If you’ve been struggling to pay your credit card debt, then click here to find out how you can become debt-free!

11. Tour National Parks Cheaper

With this amazing perk, over 62s can use their age advantage to score a serious discount at America’s National Parks. It’s time to tour Yellowstone, senior citizens, you can get an annual pass for just $20 and a lifetime pass for $80. This pass gives seniors access to all 2,000 federal recreation sites, including National Forests and grasslands.

You’ll be able to visit all of America’s parks through-out your retirement. The cost of the pass covers your entrance-fee, camping, usage fees for a driver and all passengers. You can take the grandkids camping for free whenever you like. Enjoy wildlife, gorgeous scenery and some well-earned peace and quiet.

12. Movies Discounts

It’s lovely to visit the cinema every so often. Lots of theaters offer a senior discount too. AMC Theaters offer a generous 30% discount to over 60s. While Regal Cinemas are going one better and will give you 35% off if you are 60 and over. With the money you’re saving you can treat the grandchildren and get a bag of candies to eat while you all enjoy the movie.

Georgia Theatre Company offer varying senior discounts, depending on location and showtime, so be sure to visit their website for more information. If you’re over 60, you can get into weekday shows before 2pm for $6 at Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, get $1 or $2 off at B&B Theatres and $2 off all evening shows at Celebration Cinemas.

Fridley Theatres offer a Bargain Day every Tuesday for all ages – why not take the grandkids? And at Marcus Theatres seniors can watch matinees for just $5 on Fridays before 5:30 p.m.

Showcase Cinemas offer discounted ticket price on Senior Wednesdays at all locations (except Showcase Superlux), and various discounts for popcorn and a soda. If you’re over 65, you can get a discount of between 10%-25% off your ticket price at CineMagic.

13. Save Up To 70% On Life Insurance

Unfortunately with every year you age your insurance premium amount rises 8-10%. For senior citizens, rising life insurance policy costs can add up significantly. And what’s worse is the fact that many seniors have a hard time qualifying for new policies altogether once they reach a certain age.

Fortunately though, there is a way to get a very cheap life insurance policy. You need to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. This amazing website will let you do that and the best part it is totally free! They will run down your information through their technology to automatically find the best life insurance policies available for a much much lower price. Seniors may end up saving up to 70% on their life insurance policy. Click here to learn how much you can save on life insurance.

14. Amusement Parks Discounts

If you’re up for an adventure, you can use your discount at theme parks too. While your days of riding the rollercoaster might be over, there are still some other great attractions on offer. Senior Pass Members at Busch Gardens in Tampa will get various discount offers all year round and SeaWorld Orlando will give you a $3 discount if you are over 50.

LegoLand Florida gives seniors a $7 discount on entrance. King’s Island offers seniors over the age of 62 various discounts as well You can also get a senior discount on one-day tickets and seasonal packages at Dolly Parton’s Tennessee-based park, Dollywood, that includes activities for all of the family.

15. Hotel Discounts

If you want to settle down for the night someplace away from home you can be sure to get a discount at Marriott, Comfort Inn, Motel 6 and more. Keep in mind that discounts may vary and change without notice.

• Marriott – 15% discount (62+). You can book online or call and ask for the senior discount
• Red Roof Inn – option of “senior rate” when you book online, may not be available for all locations
• Choice Hotels – 10% discount if you book in advance (60+)
• Hyatt Hotels – up to 50% off in participating locations. To qualify for this deal you have to make a reservation in advance and book for two people (60+)
• La Quinta – varying offers at participating locations (65+). Book online or call and ask for senior discounts
• Omni Hotels – varying offers at participating locations (55+)
• Motel 6 – 10% discount (60+). Call and book over the phone in order to get discount
• Wyndham Hotels – varying offers at participating locations (60+)
• Hampton Inns & Suites – 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance