AARP stands for American Association of Retired Persons

AARP is the acronym for American Association of Retired Persons. It is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., founded in 1958. Despite its name, you do not have to be retired to join — membership is open to anyone age 50 and older.

AARP operates in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization has roughly 37 million members, making it one of the largest membership organizations in the United States. It funds itself through membership dues, which currently cost $16 per year, though discounts and free memberships are sometimes available.

The organization's stated mission is to empower people age 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. That mission plays out across three main areas: advocacy and policy work at the federal and state level, member benefits and discounts, and educational resources and programs.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP is a nonprofit membership organization for people age 50 and older, not a government agency, and membership costs $16 per year.
  • The organization lobbies Congress and state legislatures on issues affecting older adults, including Medicare, Social Security, and prescription drug costs.
  • AARP members receive discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail purchases through partnerships with private companies.
  • AARP publishes free educational materials, runs tax preparation programs, and offers caregiving resources that anyone can use regardless of membership status.
  • AARP does not run government benefit programs — it provides information about programs run by Social Security, Medicare, and other federal agencies.

AARP's role in policy and advocacy

AARP employs lobbyists and policy staff who work with Congress, state legislatures, and federal agencies on laws and regulations that affect people over 50. The organization takes positions on issues like Medicare coverage, Social Security benefits, prescription drug pricing, long-term care, and age discrimination in employment.

When Congress debates changes to Medicare or Social Security, AARP typically testifies before committees and publishes statements on its position. The organization also runs grassroots campaigns — members can contact their representatives through AARP's website to weigh in on pending legislation.

At the state level, AARP maintains offices in each state that work on issues like Medicaid, nursing home regulations, and state tax policy. State AARP offices also run local programs like tax preparation and caregiver support groups.

Member discounts and insurance products

AARP membership includes access to discounts negotiated with private companies. These cover car rental, hotel chains, restaurants, and retail stores. The discounts vary by location and change over time, so members check the AARP website or call 1-888-687-2277 to see what is available in their area.

AARP also partners with insurance companies to offer supplemental health insurance (Medigap), long-term care insurance, auto and home insurance, and life insurance. These are not AARP products — they are underwritten by private insurers — but AARP negotiates rates for members. You can compare plans and get quotes through AARP's website, though you can also shop for the same products directly from insurers without joining AARP.

The organization earns revenue from these insurance partnerships, which funds its nonprofit work. This arrangement sometimes creates questions about whether AARP's advocacy positions are influenced by its insurance business, though the organization maintains that its policy work and commercial partnerships are separate.

Educational resources and community programs

AARP publishes free guides, articles, and videos on topics like Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, retirement planning, and health. These materials are available on AARP.org and through the organization's magazine, AARP Magazine, which is mailed to members monthly. You do not need to be a member to read most of the educational content online.

The organization runs the AARP Tax-Aide program, which offers free tax preparation for people with low to moderate income. Tax-Aide operates at libraries, senior centers, and community centers across the country during tax season. You can find a location near you on AARP.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277.

AARP also operates the Caregiver Resource Center, which provides information and support for people caring for aging relatives or friends. The organization runs local caregiver support groups in many communities and offers online resources about managing stress, finding respite care, and navigating long-term care options.

What AARP does not do

AARP does not run government benefit programs. It does not process Social Security claims, enroll people in Medicare, or distribute Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Those functions are handled by the Social Security Administration and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which are federal agencies.

AARP does not provide personalized financial or legal information. The organization publishes general educational information, but for decisions specific to your situation — like whether to claim Social Security at 62 or 70, or how to structure your estate — you should consult a financial advisor, tax professional, or attorney.

AARP is not a government agency and does not represent the government. It is a private nonprofit organization that advocates for policies it believes benefit older adults, but Congress and state legislatures make the final decisions on legislation.

How to contact AARP

You can reach AARP's main customer service line at 1-888-687-2277. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. You can also visit AARP.org to browse resources, manage your membership, or find local programs in your area.

Each state has its own AARP office with staff who work on state-level issues and run local programs. You can find your state office's phone number and website through AARP.org.

If you have questions about a specific government program — like how to enroll in Medicare or file for Social Security — AARP's website has educational guides, but you will need to contact the Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213) or Medicare (1-800-633-4227) directly to handle your claim or enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 or older, whether you are still working, retired, or somewhere in between. The name reflects the organization's original focus when it was founded in 1958, but membership requirements have not changed to match.

Does AARP membership cost money?

Yes, standard membership costs $16 per year. AARP occasionally offers promotional rates or free memberships for new members. You can check current membership offers on AARP.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277.

Can I use AARP resources if I am not a member?

Many AARP resources are free and open to everyone. Educational articles, guides, and the Tax-Aide program do not require membership. Some discounts and member-only content do require you to join, but the organization makes much of its information publicly available.

Does AARP help me enroll in Medicare or Social Security?

AARP publishes educational information about Medicare and Social Security, but it does not process enrollments or handle claims. To enroll in Medicare, contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. To file for Social Security, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

Is AARP a government agency?

No. AARP is a private nonprofit organization. It is not part of the federal government, though it works with Congress and federal agencies on policy issues. Government benefit programs like Social Security and Medicare are run by federal agencies, not by AARP.