Verizon does offer discounts for customers 55 and older, but the savings are modest and come with trade-offs

Verizon's senior discount program is called Verizon 55+, and it reduces your monthly bill by roughly $5 to $10 depending on which plan you choose. The discount applies to the base plan cost, not to add-ons like device payments, taxes, or insurance. You must be 55 or older and set up the account in your own name to may have access to. The discount is available on select plans only — not every Verizon plan includes it.

The catch is that Verizon 55+ plans often have less data than standard plans at the same price point. A standard plan might give you 5 GB of data for $65 per month, while the 55+ version gives you 3 GB for $55. If you use more data than the plan includes, you pay overage charges or your speed slows down. Before switching, compare what you actually use each month against what the 55+ plan offers.

Key Takeaways

  • Verizon 55+ plans cost $5 to $10 less per month than standard plans, but typically include less data.
  • You must be 55 or older and own the account yourself — you cannot add a senior discount to someone else's account.
  • The discount does not apply to device payments, insurance, or taxes, so your total bill savings will be smaller than the plan discount alone.
  • Verizon also offers a low-income discount through the Lifeline program, which may save more money if you meet income requirements.

How to check if you currently may have access to for the 55+ discount

If you already have a Verizon account, the fastest way to find out whether you can switch to 55+ is to call Verizon directly at 1-908-559-4899 and ask a representative whether your account is may be able to access. Have your account number ready. They will tell you which 55+ plans are available in your area and what your new bill would be.

You can also check online by logging into your Verizon account, going to Plans, and filtering for "55+" plans. Not all areas show this option online, so if you do not see it, calling is your best bet. The representative can also tell you whether switching would trigger any early termination fees if you are in the middle of a contract.

What the 55+ plans include and what they do not

Verizon 55+ plans come in a few tiers. The entry-level plan typically includes 3 GB of data per month. Mid-tier plans include 5 GB or 8 GB. All of them include unlimited talk and text, access to Verizon's 5G network, and the same customer service as standard plans. You get the same phone options and can bring your own device if it is compatible.

What you do not get: the discount does not cover device payments (if you are financing a phone), device protection insurance, international roaming, or any add-on services. Taxes are also calculated on the full price before discount, so your actual savings will be a bit less than the advertised discount. If you go over your data limit, Verizon will either slow your speed or charge you per gigabyte, depending on your plan settings.

Comparing 55+ to other Verizon discounts

Verizon offers other discounts that may save you more money depending on your situation. If you are a veteran, you may may have access to for a military discount of up to 15 percent. If you work for certain employers, you may have access to an employee discount. If your household income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, you may may have access to for Lifeline, which can reduce your bill by $30 or more per month.

You cannot stack discounts — you can only use one at a time. So if a military discount or Lifeline would save you more than the 55+ discount, choose that instead. Ask Verizon to calculate your bill under each discount you might may have access to for, then pick the one that costs the least.

How to switch to a 55+ plan if you may have access to

Call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 and tell the representative you want to switch to a 55+ plan. They will confirm your age and account ownership, show you which plans are available, and calculate your new bill. The switch usually takes effect on your next billing cycle, so you will not see the savings until then.

If you are currently under a device payment agreement or contract, ask whether switching plans will trigger any fees. In most cases it will not, but it depends on your specific agreement. Once you confirm there are no fees, the representative can process the change over the phone. You do not need to visit a store or sign anything.

What to do if you do not see a 55+ option in your area

Verizon 55+ is not available everywhere. If a representative tells you it is not offered where you live, ask about the Lifeline program instead. Lifeline is a federal program that Verizon participates in, and it is available in all 50 states. If your household income qualifies, Lifeline can reduce your bill by $30 per month or more.

You can also ask whether Verizon has any other promotions running for new or existing customers. Verizon sometimes runs limited-time discounts that are not age-specific. These change frequently, so calling is the only way to know what is currently available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a 55+ discount to my spouse's account if they are 55 but I am not?

No. The account holder must be 55 or older themselves. If your spouse is 55 and you are younger, they would need to own the account in their own name to get the discount. You can be listed as an authorized user, but the primary account holder is the one who qualifies.

Does the 55+ discount work with a family plan?

It depends on how Verizon structures the plan. Some family plans offer a 55+ version, but the discount applies to the whole plan, not individual lines. Call Verizon to ask whether a family plan with a 55+ discount is available and what the total cost would be for all your lines.

What happens to my 55+ plan if I turn 65?

Nothing. Once you are on a 55+ plan, you keep the discount for as long as you stay with Verizon. There is no age limit — the discount does not go away when you reach 65 or any other age.

Can I switch back to a regular plan if I change my mind?

Yes. You can switch to any other Verizon plan at any time. Call 1-908-559-4899 and ask to change plans. There is usually no fee to switch between plans, though your bill will increase if you move to a plan with more data or features.

Is there a way to get a bigger discount than 55+?

Yes, if you may have access to for Lifeline or a military discount, those typically save more money than the 55+ discount. You can only use one discount at a time, so compare the savings under each program you might may have access to for and choose the largest one.