I. Restaurants ~ Senior Dining Deals and Discounts for Senior Citizens 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+.
Denny's has 10% off. They will make it 20% off if you are an AARP member. Age 55+.
Burger King has a 10% discount for ages 60+. And additional discounts on coffee and soft drinks. [Updated April 2013 (Thank you, Susan.)]
Wendy's is 10% off for ages 55+.
Subway is 10% off for ages 60+.
IHOP is 10% off for ages 55+.
Jack in the Box has a 20% beverage discount for seniors age 55 and over. [Updated January 2012 (Thank you, Mark.)] Leastwise, they're supposed to. Looks like the Jack-in-the-box discount may not be a sure thing. (Updated August 2013 (Thank you, Jackie.)]
Arby's is 10% off for ages 55+.
Chili is 10% off for ages 55+.
Applebee's gives a 15% discount to seniors age 60 and over who have the Applebee's Golden Apple Card.
Taco Bell is 5% off and free beverages for ages 65 and over.
KFC will give you a free small drink if you are 55+. [Updated March 2013: some KFC's will, some wont. (Thank you Tom.)]
McDonald's has discounts on coffee and soft drinks for the 55+ crowd.
Long John Silver's has various discounts. Depends on location, so your results may vary. 55+
Backyard Burger gives a free senior drink with purchase. [Updated April 2013 (Thank you, Susan.)]
Sonic gives choice of free beverage or 10% off for folks 60 and older.
II. How to Safely Find Online Coupons
Do you do searches for coupons, gift cards, etc.? Then you may want to visit the page, How to Safely Find the Best Free Coupons. The page has been around for years and has served searchers well. The article has all sorts of useful information and it will keep you out of trouble.
III. Travel / Vacation ~ Senior Deals and Discounts for Senior Citizens 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+. Includes Airlines, Rental Cars, and Motels.
Best Western motels have a 10% discount for seniors age 55 and over.
Comfort Inn motels have discounts ranging from 20% to 30% off for seniors age 60 and over.
Alaska Airlines was 10% off for ages 65+. It is now reported to be 50% off. Other fees, however, are unknown. Airlines like to wiggle out of things; call first before making plans, booking for discount, etc.
American Airlines has discounts and deals for seniors 62 and up. Various discounts can reach up to 50% for non-peak periods (Tuesdays through Thursdays). Other fees, however, are unknown. Airlines like to wiggle out of things; call before booking for discount.
Southwest Airlines is reported to have various discounts for ages 65 and up. Usual warnings apply as to finding out about other fees, calling first, etc.
Alamo car rental has discounts and deals ranging up to 25% for AARP members.
Avis car rental has discounts and deals ranging up to 25% for AARP members.
Amtrak has a 15% discount for seniors. But they have a whole bunch of restrictions to go along with it. Note: if you are going to go there to check out the restrictions, you might want to bookmark this page first...
IV. Financial Institutions
If you or someone you know is being charged fees on your savings, checking, debit, or credit card accounts; you can put a stop to that. It is simply a matter of only doing business with institutions that don't take advantage of their customers. The How to Find an Honest Local Financial Institution article will show you the way.
V. Miscellaneous ~ Senior Discounts & Deals for Senior Citizens 50+, 55+, 60+, 65+, and over. Includes Retail, Cell Phones, Entertainment and More.
AMC Theaters up to 30% off for ages 55+.
Regal Cinemas does a 30% discount for seniors ages 60 and over. Not available for all performances. [Updated December 2012 (Thank you, Randy.)]
AT&T has a $19.99/month cell phone plan for seniors ages 65+. Currently called the Special Senior Nation 200 Plan.
Verizon Wireless has a $30/month plan for seniors ages 65 and over. However, if you have a Lifeline landline, it could be well worth your while to drop by the Verizon website and see what DSL deals they are offering; no age restrictions, and DSL is plenty good enough for most situations, including streaming videos. And if you don't happen to know what Lifeline is, you definitely want to check that out, no matter who your phone company is. If you qualify, you will save between $200 to $300 a year on your phone bill. Qualification is based on income; age is not a factor.
Jitterbug has a cell phone plan deal for $10 a month for the 50 and over crowd.
Super Cuts has $2 off for haircuts. Ages 60 and over.
Great Clips has $3 off for haircuts. Ages 60 and up.
Big Lots does a full 30% off. Age demarcation, however, is unknown.
Ross Dress For Less has an Every Tuesday Club for customers age 55 and older. Just sign up at the customer service desk to receive a discount card. Folks with the discount card receive a 10% discount for in-person purchases made on Tuesdays.
Right Aid has 10% off on Tuesdays. And there is 10% off on prescriptions. Age demarcation unknown.
CVS doesn't have any senior discounts per se. But you do want to get their red extracare card and give them your email address. They will rain all sorts of worthwhile discounts on you. Also, run the card through the red machine at the front of the store when you drop by; once in awhile a gem shows up. Walmartpharmacies of course are always worth checking out. Costco pharmacies are exempt from store membership requirements in most states. Last note:Walgreens generally charges the highest prices in town for everything, especially so in the pharmacy department.
VI. Car Loans
If you or someone you know is in a car loan situation, then this Top 10 Things You Need to Know about Car Loans article is a worthy read.
VII. Credit Scores
Unfortunately, credit scores don't just affect interest rates on loans. Insurance companies also use your credit score as one of the factors in determining your premium rate for your life, home, auto, etc. policies. This About Credit Scores article has more information, including how to protect and raise your credit score.
VIII. Utility Company Discounts
It is imperative to drop by your utility company's website; particularly your gas, electric, and phone companies. It is next to a virtual certainty they will have various discounts available. There could be low income assistance discounts. There could be energy savings discounts. There could be seasonal discounts. There could betime-of-day discounts. There could be other discounts. Once you are signed up, there would be significant savings month after month without any additional work on your part.
If the discount info is not readily available via the website menus, use their search box and enter the above italicized phrases. If that doesn't work, then do the searches directly from your favorite search engine,e.g.: low income assistance YourUtilityCompanyName.
IX. Browser Tip
Doing Ctrl+ will increase text/screen size. You can do it more than once to keep making it larger. Doing Ctrl- will shrink it back down. Doing Ctrl0 (zero) will reset everything back to "normal".
X. More Resources for Seniors
And Also:
Free or Discounted Services for Seniors or Their Caregivers
1. Benefit Counseling
How many times have you, either as a senior or as a caregiver, wrestled with trying to figure out what type of help was available to you? There is free counseling available through your local Office for the Aging that can provide this type of assistance and point you in the right direction to receiving the help you need.
You can get answers regarding health insurance, food stamps and other services through these counselors.
2. Adult Day Care
Adult day care centers can be run by a government entity, or through a local charity or house of worship. The purpose of these senior centers is to provide a safe place to socialize and have a hot meal in a protected setting. These adult day care centers are ideal for seniors who cannot remain alone, but are not in need of the care that a nursing home provides.
If you go through your local Office for the Aging, they will probably be able to direct you to such a day care center, let you know if there is a charge for the facility and what the eligibility requirements are.
As for the fees associated with these facilities, if the facility does in fact charge a fee they are normally quite nominal and are just there to help the center cover its own costs for meals and operating costs like utilities.
As for the eligibility requirements, that will depend upon the capabilities of the staff at each individual facility. As an example, some adult day care centers will only accept those who are continent because they will not have the supplies to change adult diapers. Other facilities may require a certain amount of mobility for those attending (i.e. they are able to get out of a wheelchair on their own or with minor assistance). It is really 'hit or miss' because each facility will have their own requirements.
When initially contacting the Office for the Aging or the local charity, give them as much information upfront regarding both the fees (if you are only looking for a free facility) and the physical condition of the applicant. This way they can act as a filter to point you in the right direction.
3. Dentists That Accept Medicaid
Due to the problems of billing and getting paid by the government, there aren't many dentists that accept Medicaid, but a few do. This means that a senior with no dental insurance may still be able to get the dental care needed…you just might have to travel to get it.
To find a dentist in your state that accepts Medicaid, contact your state Department of Health, but keep in mind that you may have to travel out of your way to get these services. For example, in my home state of New York, the state Department of Health website lists about 40 dentists that accept Medicaid. That's not a great number for a state with a population of 19,500,000. On Long Island, where I live, there are only two.
4. Free Dentures
As incredible as it may seem, it is possible for low-income seniors to receive a free set of dentures. In addition to calling your Office for the Aging to see if they know of a source, here are two additional places to look into:
• Your State Dental Association: here you will be able to access free or low-cost dental programs. As an example, one of my customers contacted the Ohio Dental Association and was then directed to Dental Options (in Ohio). She discovered her mother was eligible and will soon be getting the help she needs. While these services will vary based on your location, the place to start is with your state dental association.
• Dental Colleges: while not free, if there is a local dental college in your area you could get a substantial discount on dental care.
5. Elderly Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (EPIC)
EPIC is the name of the State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program in New York. New York is one of the 23 states that have such a program (the other 27 canceled their programs after the Federal government instituted Medicare Part D). If you live in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Vermont, Washington State or Wisconsin, you have access to another means of assistance to obtain your prescription medications.
Income requirements vary from state to state, so you will have to check with your state administrators to determine your level of eligibility, but this can be a great way for seniors to save on their prescription drug costs.
6. Low Cost Prescription Drugs
Despite the advent of Medicare Part D, and certain state run assistance programs such as EPIC (outlined above), there are still many seniors that cannot afford their medications.
This is why most manufacturers of prescription drugs provide assistance for those who cannot afford their medications. A comprehensive list of these programs is provide by thePartnership for Prescription Assistance as well as the steps to follow to apply for assistance.
Another cost saving strategy is to make the switch to generic drugs.
As the Food and Drug Administration says: "Generic drugs are important options that allow greater access to health care for all Americans. They are copies of brand-name drugs and are the same as those brand name drugs in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use."
Generic drugs cost about 50%-80% less than their brand name equivalents, so it makes all the sense in the world to speak with your doctor about making the switch.
7. Family Caregiver Support Programs
These programs are often offered through the government, or volunteer organizations. Either way, as a caregiver, you can be provided with respite care by volunteers, as well as counseling and support groups to ensure your physical and emotional wellbeing. These services are designed to supplement, not replace, the efforts of the family in caring for a loved one.
8. Free Cell Phones or Discounted Phone Service
LifeLine is a federal government program for qualifying low-income consumers designed "to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services."
LifeLine assistance provides one free or discounted phone (either landline or wireless cell phone) per household. To qualify, seniors will likely have to be on some form of government assistance, such as:
• Medicaid
• Food Stamps
• Supplemental Social Security
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Visit LifelineSupport.org to see if you qualify and to find participating companies in your state.
I was able to get my mother a free cell phone within five days of her being approved for Medicaid, after providing a picture of my mother's Medicaid award letter (yes, I know it is shocking for the government to move that quickly). The only drawback to the program is the type of phone that you are sent. My mother can use it but it has smaller buttons that can make it confusing. I would prefer for her to have a larger handset with larger buttons, but this is working for the moment.
9. Free Phone for Hearing Impaired
A new service that is (at least temporarily) being funded by the FCC, called CaptionCall, provides free phones to those with medically recognized hearing loss.
The way that this phone works is simple. A screen on the phone instantly takes the words being spoken and puts them onto a screen on the phone so that hearing impaired individuals can read what is being said.
You can learn more at CaptionCall.com/Caregiver (and click on Promotions) for more information.
10. Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)
This used to be called Food Stamps, but is now known as the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). You can apply through your state Office for the Aging, or Elder Affairs Department.
Each state has slightly different requirements based upon income, but what I have found is that most states have a website (www.mybenefits.ny.gov in my home state of New York) where you can set up an online account and, based upon your age, zip code, income and residence status, you are then directed to all of the benefits that you are eligible for.
Once you are approved, the maximum monthly benefit depends upon the size of your family, from $200 all the way up to $1,500.
11. Other Free Food Services
In addition to programs such as SNAP, there are many nutrition programs, offered either by local charities or local governments that can provide seniors with a nutritious meal (typically lunch) and the opportunity to socialize.
Check with your local Office for the Aging to see what programs are available in your area. In my county, there are 33 such nutrition sites that seniors can attend and, in some cases, transportation is provided.
There are also websites that have listings of local food banks where qualifying individuals can receive free food. The best food bank search engine is at Feedingamerica.org. Simply plug in your state and a listing of locations and the types of services offered at each food bank will pop up.
12. Free Hearing Aids
Buying a new hearing aid can run into the thousands of dollars, so it's no wonder that seniors are hard pressed to pay for these devices. But I have found that there are a few ways to obtain free hearing aids. Some will be new, and others may be used, but they will all be free.
First, try your local Lion's Club. Most chapters either operate or know of a local hearing aid bank that can match needy seniors with recycled hearing aids.
Another approach is to seek out clinical trials of new hearing aids. Contact hearing aid manufacturers and see if you can volunteer for a trial. When the trial is over, you typically get to keep the hearing aid. I recently saw a commercial from one hearing aid manufacturer that was advertising for people to participate in trials, so they are open to this idea.
You will have to medically qualify for the trial and you may have to contact several manufacturers until you find one that works for you. You may also get put on a waiting list. Regardless, this can be a powerful way for very low income seniors to receive a free hearing aid.
13. Free Legal Help
When my mother had her heart attack and I started the Medicaid application process, I quickly realized that there would not be any money to pay our mounting bills. So I called my local Office for the Aging and they put me in touch with a local law school that operated a Senior Law Center for low income seniors like Mom.
They wrote a letter to the creditors on my behalf asking for the debts to be forgiven. With this letter I attached a letter from the nursing home detailing Mom's prognosis. That was 14 months ago, and I haven't heard from the creditors since, so I guess that ‘no news is good news.' I did receive one confirmation letter, from Wal-Mart, that the debts were forgiven. The others have not contacted me yet, so I am hopeful that they've written the debts off as bad debt.
These types of law centers won't represent you in a large scale, but they can be invaluable in drafting a simple will, certifying a POA or health care proxy, or drafting a letter to creditors.
If your Office for the Aging is unaware of a local resource for such help, another place to look would be the Lion's Club. Many of the members of the Lion's are attorneys and local business leaders who may be able to help you find a pro bono attorney to handle something like this.
14. Free Medical Alert System
We have all seen the television commercial with the elderly woman in the bathroom saying, "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up!" That's what a medic alert system is for. It is a waterproof pendant that is worn around the neck or wrist, that works in conjunction with a wireless phone attachment. In an emergency, the wearer presses the button to be connected with the monitoring service and speaks into the pendant.
The actual system is totally free, even the shipping. The monitoring service does have to be paid for, but that is normally around $30 a month.
One thing I would advise you to consider when choosing a medic alert company. Make sure that the company you choose does NOT outsource its central station monitoring service. When your loved one hits that button, you want a trained, competent professional who can calmly contact emergency services and stay on the line with your parent until help arrives.
There are many medical alert products out there, such as, LifeStation and Rescue Alert, that offer this type of service.
15. Free Walkers or Rollators
A walker will run you around $40 (rollators are a little more expensive). That can be a lot of money for a cash-strapped senior. If you are looking for a discounted or free walker, here are places you should start your search:
a) Thrift stores such as Goodwill, which operates outlet stores throughout the country and has very reasonable prices
b) Hospitals and nursing homes may periodically dispose of reliable, used equipment that may be ideal for you.
16. Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Through your local or state Office for the Aging, you can apply for assistance either in the form of weather upgrades to your residence - such as added insulation in the attic to improve the energy efficiency of your home (this is known as the Weatherization Assistance Program) – as well as direct cash assistance based upon your income level.
One not widely known fact about HEAP is that it is available to both homeowners and renters, making it more widely accessible for low-income seniors.
17. Ombudsman Services
For caregivers of nursing home patients, the state ombudsman's office is there to address issues with the care of their loved ones. You can think of the ombudsman as similar to a union rep. They will investigate complaints on your behalf to insure that nursing home residents are being treated fairly.
I previously wrote about my own experience with nursing home neglect against my mother and how I brought in the state ombudsman to investigate the issue.
If you feel there is an issue of neglect or abuse of a nursing home resident, getting the contact information is easy. This information must be prominently displayed in the lobby of all nursing homes, along with the website and phone number to call for help.
18. Residential Repair Services
Need some minor work done around the house, but can't afford the labor? Many Offices of the Aging run a residential repair service where seniors can have minor work done to their home or rental at no labor cost.
NOTE: You will have to pay for supplies, but the labor is free from the volunteers.
19. Silver Alert Program
Caregivers of seniors with dementia are often concerned about a loved one getting lost while wandering - especially if they are driving with dementia. There are many ways to combat this. One way is through a Silver Alert program, which (as defined on Wikipedia) "is a public notification system in the United States to broadcast information about missing persons – especially seniors with Alzheimer's Disease, dementia, or other mental disabilities – in order to aid in their return."
Silver Alert and similar programs vary greatly by state. The way the Silver Alert program works in my local area is as follows:
The caregiver will contact the local police department and fill out a form identifying the senior, giving a physical description, as well as any medical information you wish to disclose.
Your parent will then be issued a Silver Alert bracelet that will have a unique ID number and instructions for anyone who locates them to call a police non-emergency number. This way they can be safely returned home without compromising any personal information on the part of the senior or caregiver.
Check with your local Police Department for more information.
And Also:
Free Prescription Drug Cards
A number of companies offer free prescription drug cards that can save you up to 75% at the pharmacy. There’s usually no eligibility requirement – you essentially get a pre-negotiated discount in exchange for bringing your business to select pharmacies. Here’s one free pharmacy prescription discount card that gets our stamp of approval.
Fast Food Freebies for Seniors
There may be no such thing as a free lunch for seniors, but there is a free drink with purchase at fast food outlets likeChick Fil A and McDonald's. Many IHOPs offer a 50% off discount one night a week, which translates to one dinner freebie if you bring a companion.
Museum Admissions
Many museums and cultural attractions offer admission that’s free for seniors. And even if it’s not free, almost all offer big discounts for people over 65. Make it a habit to ask for your senior citizen discount when you’re buying tickets!
Free Public Transportation
Like museums, most public transportation systems offer money-saving passes, but some are completely free for seniors. For example, there are free ride programs in Pennsylvania, Miami-Dade County, and Chicago (under certain income levels). For more on transportation discounts, click here.
Tax Preparation
A number of agencies offer tax preparation help or counseling to seniors at no cost. See a detailed list here.
Free Cell Phones and Discounted Plans
Many cellular providers have programs to make life easier on seniors. For a list of carriers who offer seniors phones for free, as well as good rates on phone plans, click here.
Free Stuff for Your Grandchildren
When you take your grandchildren with you, there are a lot more opportunities to save – and show the next generation a good time. As a general rule, many discounts that are available for seniors are also available for kids. From museums to public transportation to 2-for-1 specials at restaurants, planning ahead can lead to big savings. Also look for free stuff (including everything from food to facepainting) at public events and festivals.
Check out restaurants where your grandkids can eat for free. And if you hit the road, be on the lookout for lodging deals. Many motels and hotels offer senior discounts, including free stays for your juniors when they travel with seniors.
Costco Membership
Savvy savers know Costco is a great place to save money. We’ve partnered with them to offer exclusive coupons (including three free items) to new members. Learn more about how Senior Discounts Members with a Costco Membership Card can save. And don’t forget all the free snacks while you shop at Costco.
Free Coupons and Samples for Seniors
We know many of you look for coupons and free samples to put the gold in the golden years. Start with big sites likeCoupons.com, but also make sure to check out retailers’ sites for freebies that sometimes go fast. For example, here’s where Walmart keeps its freebies.
Save on Energy
Finally, here are a few cheap and free ideas for seniors (or anyone) to put into place to save on electric and gas bills. For example, is your hot water heater set too high? Put a few of these energy-saving ideas into action and get the best freebie of all – free money!
© SeniorDiscounts
Resources for the 50 and over crowd
50+
| Resource | Description |
| AARP | Primary resource. |
| benefitscheckup.org | Government benefits info. |
| SSA | Social Security Administration. |
| Medicare | Medicare Information. |
| GovBenefits | Official benefits site. |
| Retirement Living Info Center | Has everything..... |
| Senior Resource | Has everything..... |
| pparx | Prescription cost assistance directory. |
| missingmoney | Database of state unclaimed property records. |
| Resource | Description |
| retirementjobs | Employment for older workers. |
| seniorjobbank | Employment for older workers. |
| seniors4hire | Employment for older workers. |
| yourencore | Employment for older workers. |
| dinosaur-exchange | Employment for older workers. Intl. |