What AARP is and how it operates

AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older. You pay an annual membership fee—currently $16 per year—and in return you get access to discounts, educational resources, and advocacy on issues affecting older adults. AARP does not distribute government benefits, manage Social Security, or handle Medicare enrollment, though it provides information about all three.

The organization runs on membership dues, advertising in its magazine, and revenue from partner companies whose discounts members can use. AARP also receives grants to fund research and community programs. When you join, you are paying for access to a network of discounts and information, not for a service that processes applications or determines your may be able to access for anything.

AARP operates at the national level through its main office in Washington, D.C., and through state and local chapters. The national organization sets policy and negotiates national discounts. State chapters handle advocacy specific to state laws and connect members to local resources. You can use your membership card at participating retailers and service providers nationwide.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and gives you access to discounts at retailers, hotels, rental car companies, and insurance providers.
  • AARP publishes guides and articles about Medicare, Social Security, and health topics, but does not enroll you in those programs or determine your may be able to access.
  • The organization advocates for policy changes at the federal and state level on issues like prescription drug costs and age discrimination.
  • AARP has local chapters in most states that host events, classes, and volunteer opportunities for members in your area.
  • You do not have to be retired to join AARP; you only need to be 50 or older.

How membership discounts work

When you join AARP, you receive a membership card that you can use at thousands of businesses. Common discounts include 10 percent off at hotels like Choice Hotels and Wyndham, discounts on rental cars through Hertz and Avis, and reduced rates on travel packages. Retailers like Best Buy, Rite Aid, and some grocery chains also offer AARP member pricing.

The discounts vary by location and by partner. A hotel in one city may offer 15 percent off while the same chain in another city offers 10 percent. You typically show your card at checkout or mention your membership when booking. Some discounts require you to book through AARP's website or call a specific number to receive the rate.

AARP also negotiates group rates for insurance products. Members can purchase supplemental health insurance, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance through AARP-endorsed providers. These are not free; you are buying insurance at rates negotiated for the group. AARP receives a commission when you buy, which is how it funds part of its operations.

AARP's educational resources and guides

AARP publishes free guides and articles on its website covering Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, retirement planning, and health topics. These resources explain how programs work, what documents you need, and what to expect at each step. The guides do not determine whether you are may be able to access for anything; they teach you how to find out on your own.

AARP Magazine, included with membership, features articles on health, money, and lifestyle. The organization also runs a website with searchable databases—for example, a tool to find local caregiving resources or to compare Medicare plans side by side. These tools help you gather information but do not submit anything on your behalf or make decisions for you.

Many AARP chapters offer free classes and workshops in person or online. Topics include Social Security claiming strategies, Medicare navigation, financial planning, and technology skills. These are educational events, not enrollment sessions. If you need to enroll in a program, AARP staff can point you to the right government office or website, but the enrollment itself happens directly with that agency.

Advocacy and policy work

AARP employs lobbyists and policy staff who work on federal legislation affecting older adults. The organization has taken public positions on prescription drug pricing, Social Security, Medicare, age discrimination in employment, and long-term care. It publishes research on these topics and mobilizes members to contact elected officials when legislation is pending.

At the state level, AARP chapters advocate on issues like nursing home regulations, property tax relief for seniors, and state healthcare programs. State chapters also track legislation and alert members when bills affecting them are being voted on. You can contact your state chapter to learn about current advocacy priorities in your area.

AARP's advocacy does not may provide any outcome. The organization is one voice among many in policy debates. Its positions sometimes align with other senior organizations and sometimes differ. You are not required to support AARP's policy positions to be a member, and many members join solely for the discounts and information.

Local chapters and community programs

Most states have an AARP state office, and many regions have local chapters. Chapters host social events, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs. Some chapters run tax preparation services for low-income seniors, organize community service projects, or facilitate support groups for caregivers. The programs available depend on your location and chapter capacity.

You can find your local chapter through AARP's website by entering your zip code. Chapter staff can tell you what programs are running in your area and how to join. Participation in chapter activities is optional; you do not have to attend anything to use your membership discounts or access online resources.

Many chapters also connect members to local services—food banks, transportation programs, housing resources—that are not AARP programs but that serve older adults in the community. This referral role is especially useful if you are looking for help with a specific need and do not know where to start.

What AARP does not do

AARP does not enroll you in Medicare, Social Security, or Medicaid. It does not process benefit applications, determine your may be able to access, or manage your accounts with any government agency. If you need to enroll in Medicare, you contact Medicare directly through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. If you need to file for Social Security, you go to ssa.gov or visit a local Social Security office.

AARP does not provide medical care, mental health counseling, or legal representation. It does not may provide that you will receive any discount at any business. Some businesses honor AARP discounts only on certain products or during certain times. Always confirm the discount applies before you make a purchase.

AARP is not a government agency and is not affiliated with Medicare, Social Security, or any federal program, though it works closely with policymakers on issues affecting those programs. If someone claims to represent AARP and is asking you to pay money for a government benefit or to provide personal information to enroll in a program, that is a scam.

How to join and what it costs

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. You must be 50 or older. The standard membership is $16 per year. AARP occasionally runs promotional rates—sometimes $8 for the first year—but the renewal rate is typically $16 annually.

When you join, you provide your name, address, date of birth, and email. You do not have to be retired. You do not have to own a home or have a certain income. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 and older, regardless of employment or financial status.

Your membership is valid for one year from the date you join. AARP sends renewal notices before your membership expires. If you do not renew, your card becomes invalid and you lose access to member discounts, though you can still read AARP's free online content without logging in.

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 working, retired, or anything in between. Your employment status does not affect your membership or your access to discounts.

Can AARP help me enroll in Medicare or Social Security?

AARP can point you to the right place to enroll—Medicare.gov for Medicare, ssa.gov for Social Security—and it publishes guides explaining how each program works. But AARP does not submit your process or handle the enrollment itself. You enroll directly with the government agency.

What if I use an AARP discount and it does not work?

Contact the business where you tried to use the discount and ask why it was not honored. Then contact AARP to report the issue. AARP negotiates discounts with partner companies, but individual locations sometimes do not honor them correctly. AARP can follow up with the company on your behalf.

Can I cancel my membership anytime?

Yes. You can cancel by calling AARP at 1-888-687-2277 or through your online account. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP typically refunds your membership fee. After 30 days, the fee is non-refundable, but you can still cancel and your membership will end on the anniversary date.

Does AARP sell my personal information?

AARP publishes a privacy policy on its website explaining how it uses member data. The organization does not sell your information to third parties for marketing. It does use member data to send you AARP communications and to improve its programs. You can adjust your communication preferences in your account settings.