AARP membership costs $16 a year, but you can join at no cost through certain programs and employers

AARP does not offer a free membership to everyone, but specific groups can join without paying the annual fee. These include people who receive benefits through certain programs, employees of participating companies, and members of unions or professional organizations that have group agreements with AARP. The path to free membership depends on which of these categories you fall into.

If you do not fit one of these groups, you still have options: some employers cover the membership cost as a benefit, and AARP occasionally runs promotional periods where the first year costs less. The key is knowing where to look and what documents you may need to prove your status.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership through Medicaid or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is free if you meet income and asset limits for those programs.
  • Some employers, unions, and professional associations negotiate group rates that reduce or eliminate the membership fee for their members.
  • You can contact AARP directly at 1-888-687-2277 to ask whether your employer or organization has a group agreement.
  • Free or reduced membership typically includes the same discounts and magazine access as paid membership.
  • AARP sometimes offers promotional pricing for new members, so checking their website or calling can reveal current offers.

Free membership through Medicaid or SSI

If you receive Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be able to join AARP at no cost. AARP has agreements with state Medicaid programs in many states to waive the membership fee for people who meet those programs' income and asset limits. The income thresholds vary by state and change yearly, so you will need to contact your state Medicaid office or AARP directly to confirm whether you may have access to.

To pursue this route, gather proof of your current Medicaid or SSI status — typically a benefits letter from your state agency or Social Security Administration. Call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 and tell them you receive one of these benefits. They can tell you whether your state participates in the waived-fee program and what documents to send.

This option is not automatic. You must ask for it, and approval can take a few weeks. AARP will not assume you are may be able to access based on your age alone.

Employer and union group memberships

Many large employers, unions, and professional organizations have negotiated group rates with AARP that reduce the fee to zero or a few dollars per year. Common employers offering this benefit include federal government agencies, some state governments, and large private companies. Unions in healthcare, education, and skilled trades often include AARP membership as part of their member benefits package.

To find out whether your employer or union offers this, check your employee benefits guide or union handbook, or call your human resources or union representative directly. They can tell you the cost (if any) and how to enroll. Some employers enroll you automatically; others require you to opt in through a benefits portal or by calling a specific number.

If you are retired from a company, ask whether retiree benefits include AARP membership. Some organizations extend group rates to former employees for life.

Professional associations and membership organizations

If you belong to a professional association, alumni group, or other membership organization, that group may have a partnership with AARP that waives or reduces the fee. Examples include associations for teachers, nurses, engineers, and military veterans. Some credit unions and banking organizations also offer free or discounted AARP membership to their members.

Start by contacting the organization you belong to and asking whether they have an AARP partnership. If they do, they will provide you with a code or link to use when you join. You can also call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 and ask whether your specific organization has an agreement.

Promotional offers and reduced-cost first-year membership

AARP runs periodic promotions where new members can join for a reduced rate in their first year — sometimes as low as $1 or $5 instead of the full $16 fee. These offers appear on the AARP website, in direct mail, and through partner organizations. The promotions change throughout the year and are not always available.

To see current offers, visit aarp.org or call 1-888-687-2277. Ask specifically about any promotional pricing for new members. If you are not in a hurry to join, you can wait for a promotion to appear, though there is no may provide one will come soon.

Promotional rates typically explore only to your first year. After that, renewal costs the standard annual fee unless you are part of a group that waives it.

What free or low-cost membership includes

Whether you pay full price or join for free, your membership includes the same core benefits: AARP Magazine, access to the AARP website and mobile app, discounts at retailers and restaurants, and information about Social Security, Medicare, and other programs relevant to older adults. You also get access to AARP's tax preparation information and legal services referrals in some states.

The membership does not change based on how much you paid. A free member through Medicaid receives identical discounts and resources as someone who paid $16.

How to verify your status and complete enrollment

Once you know which free or reduced-cost route applies to you, the enrollment process is straightforward but requires proof. If you are using Medicaid or SSI, have your benefits letter ready. If you are joining through an employer or union, have your employee ID or union card available. If you are using a promotional code from a partner organization, have that code in front of you.

You can enroll online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. Online enrollment is fastest — usually when ready — but phone enrollment lets you ask questions if you are unsure about your status. Mail enrollment takes longer but works if you do not have internet access.

Keep your membership confirmation email or letter. You will need it if you ever need to contact AARP about your account or if a retailer asks to verify your membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 to join AARP for free?

Yes. AARP membership requires you to be at least 50 years old, regardless of whether you pay the fee or join through a free program. If you are younger than 50, you cannot join AARP, even if your employer offers it as a benefit.

If my employer offers free AARP membership, can I decline it and join on my own for a lower promotional rate?

You can, but there is no advantage. Employer-provided membership is free or very low cost, and it includes the same benefits as any other membership. If your employer offers it, that is your best option.

What happens to my free membership if I no longer receive Medicaid or SSI?

Your membership will end when your benefits end, unless you switch to paying the annual fee. AARP will notify you before your membership expires and give you the option to renew at the standard rate. You are not automatically charged.

Can I use my free AARP membership to get discounts right away?

Yes. Once your membership is active, you can use your membership number at participating retailers, restaurants, and online. You do not have to wait for a membership card to arrive in the mail, though one will be sent to you.

Is there a difference between AARP membership and AARP insurance products?

Yes. Membership is separate from insurance. Your membership fee does not include health insurance, auto insurance, or other insurance products. Those are sold separately and have their own costs and enrollment processes.