AARP is a membership organization that offers programs, discounts, and advocacy for people 50 and older

AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) is a nonprofit organization with roughly 38 million members. It is not a government agency, though it works with federal and state programs. AARP offers discounts on insurance, travel, and retail goods; publishes educational content about health, money, and caregiving; runs a tax preparation service for low-income filers; and advocates for policy changes affecting older adults.

Membership costs $16 per year and includes access to AARP Magazine, the AARP website, and member discounts. You do not have to be retired to join — the only requirement is being 50 or older. Some people join for the discounts alone; others use AARP's educational resources or volunteer opportunities. Understanding what AARP actually does — and what it does not do — helps you decide whether membership makes sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and is open to anyone 50 or older, whether retired or still working.
  • AARP offers discounts on car insurance, travel, hotels, and retail purchases, though you must actively look up and use the codes or links.
  • AARP's Tax-Aide program provides free tax preparation for people with low to moderate income, available at local sites during tax season.
  • AARP publishes guides and articles about housing, caregiving, health, and money, but does not directly provide housing, medical care, or financial services.
  • AARP advocates for policy changes but does not run government benefit programs — it works alongside agencies like Social Security and Medicare.

AARP's Discount Programs and How to Use Them

AARP negotiates discounts with retailers, hotels, car rental companies, and insurance providers. Common discounts include reduced rates on auto and home insurance, hotel stays, rental cars, and purchases at stores like Best Buy and Amazon. The discounts vary by state and by partner — there is no single list that applies everywhere.

To use a discount, you typically show your AARP membership card in person, enter a code at checkout online, or call a dedicated phone number. Some discounts require you to initiate the quote through AARP's website or app so the discount is automatically applied. Others are available only to new customers or during certain seasons. The burden is on you to find the discount, confirm it applies to what you want to buy, and actually use it — AARP does not automatically explore savings to your purchases.

Insurance discounts are among the most valuable. AARP partners with insurance companies to offer reduced rates on auto, home, and supplemental health insurance. You still need to get a quote and compare it to other insurers — an AARP discount does not mean the rate is the lowest available. Some members save hundreds per year on car insurance; others find better rates elsewhere.

Tax Preparation Through AARP Tax-Aide

AARP Tax-Aide is a free tax preparation service for people with low to moderate income. It is run by trained volunteers and operates during tax season (usually February through April) at libraries, community centers, and AARP offices across the country. You do not have to be an AARP member to use Tax-Aide, though the service is promoted to members.

To find a Tax-Aide site near you, visit the AARP website and search by zip code. You will need to bring documents: your Social Security number, photo ID, last year's tax return, W-2 forms or 1099s, and records of any deductions or credits you claim. Appointments fill up quickly in March and April, so calling ahead is wise. The service is free and confidential.

Tax-Aide volunteers are trained but not all are enrolled agents or CPAs. If your tax situation is complex — self-employment income, rental property, significant investment gains — you may need a paid tax professional instead. Tax-Aide works well for straightforward returns: W-2 income, standard deductions, and common credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.

AARP's Educational Content and Resources

AARP publishes guides, articles, and videos about topics that matter to older adults: Social Security, Medicare, caregiving, housing decisions, retirement planning, and health conditions. This content is free and available on the AARP website without a membership. AARP Magazine, sent to members monthly, covers similar topics in longer-form articles.

AARP also runs the Caregiving Resource Center, which offers information for adult children caring for aging parents, and the Home Fit Guide, which explains how to modify a home for aging in place. These are educational resources — they explain how things work and what options exist, but they do not provide the services themselves. AARP does not arrange home modifications, hire caregivers, or manage care plans.

The quality of AARP's content varies. Some articles are well-researched and balanced; others lean toward AARP's policy positions or partner companies. Reading AARP's material is useful for understanding a topic, but you should verify important claims with other sources and with the government agencies directly involved (Social Security, Medicare, your state Medicaid office).

What AARP Does Not Do

AARP is not a government agency and does not run benefit programs. It does not enroll you in Medicare, process Social Security claims, manage Medicaid, or distribute housing vouchers. Those functions belong to federal and state agencies. AARP may publish a guide explaining how Medicare works, but Medicare itself is run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

AARP does not provide medical care, home care, or financial information. It does not manage investment accounts, offer loans, or serve as a fiduciary for your money. If you see an AARP-branded financial product, it is offered by a partner company — AARP receives a commission, but the product itself is not run by AARP.

AARP does not place people in housing or manage senior living communities. Some senior living facilities market themselves as "AARP-approved" or use AARP branding in advertising, but AARP does not own or operate them. AARP publishes information about housing options, but the decision and placement are yours to make.

AARP's Advocacy and Policy Work

AARP employs lobbyists and policy staff who advocate for changes to federal and state law affecting older adults. Recent advocacy has focused on prescription drug costs, Social Security, Medicare, long-term care, and age discrimination. AARP's positions reflect its membership and leadership, not a neutral stance — the organization takes sides on political issues.

AARP's advocacy work is separate from its membership benefits and educational content. You can use AARP's discounts and resources without agreeing with its policy positions. Conversely, you can support AARP's advocacy goals without being a member. Understanding this separation helps you decide whether membership aligns with your values and needs.

Membership Cost and Whether It Makes Sense for You

AARP membership costs $16 per year, or $27 for three years. That is a low barrier to entry, but the real question is whether you will use the benefits. If you do not shop at partner retailers, do not need tax preparation, and do not read AARP's content, membership may not be worth it. If you have auto insurance and can get a meaningful discount, membership often pays for itself in a single premium reduction.

Some people join for one specific benefit — a car insurance discount, for example — and cancel after a year. Others maintain membership for access to AARP Magazine and the website. There is no penalty for canceling, so you can try membership for a year and decide whether to renew.

Be cautious of third-party websites that claim to offer AARP membership at a discount or promise to "set up" your membership. AARP's official website is aarp.org. Joining through other sites may expose you to scams or unwanted charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are still working, retired, or somewhere in between. The name "American Association of Retired Persons" is historical; the organization changed its official name to AARP in 1999 to reflect that most members are not retired.

Can AARP help me with my Medicare or Social Security claim?

AARP publishes guides explaining how Medicare and Social Security work, but it does not process claims or represent you with those agencies. To enroll in Medicare, contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare.gov. To file a Social Security claim, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov.

Are AARP discounts worth the membership fee?

That depends on what you buy. If you have auto insurance, a single discount on your premium often exceeds the $16 annual cost. If you rarely use partner retailers or services, the membership may not pay for itself. Review the discounts available in your state before joining.

Is AARP a scam or a legitimate organization?

AARP is a legitimate nonprofit organization with a long history. However, scammers sometimes impersonate AARP in phone calls, emails, or fake websites to steal money or personal information. Always verify you are on aarp.org before entering personal information, and be wary of unsolicited calls claiming to be from AARP.

What if I disagree with AARP's political positions?

You can use AARP's discounts and resources without supporting its advocacy work. AARP's membership benefits and its policy positions are separate. If you object to the organization's stance on an issue, you can choose not to renew your membership or contact AARP leadership with your concerns.