What AT&T offers seniors

AT&T does not have a single "senior discount" program with a fixed percentage off your bill. Instead, the company offers several plans and programs that tend to cost less than standard pricing, and some are designed specifically for people over 65. The main routes are the AT&T Senior Discount Plan (a phone-only option), the Lifeline program (a federal subsidy), and occasionally promotional pricing on internet bundles.

Which one saves you the most money depends on what services you use now and what you need. A person who uses only a basic phone might save $10 to $15 per month on the Senior Discount Plan. Someone who qualifies for Lifeline could save $9.25 per month on phone service. A household that bundles phone and internet might find better savings in a promotional package than in any senior-specific plan.

AT&T changes its offerings and pricing regularly, so the details below reflect what is currently available — but you should confirm current pricing and terms directly with AT&T before deciding.

Key Takeaways

  • AT&T's Senior Discount Plan is a phone-only service for people 65 and older, with no contract and lower monthly rates than standard plans.
  • Lifeline is a federal program that reduces your phone bill by up to $9.25 per month if your household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line.
  • You must contact AT&T directly by phone or in person to enroll in the Senior Discount Plan; it is not available online.
  • Lifeline is available through AT&T but also through other carriers, so comparing all options may save you more money.
  • Some seniors save more money by bundling services or taking advantage of promotional pricing than by using a senior-specific plan.

AT&T Senior Discount Plan details

The AT&T Senior Discount Plan is a wireless phone plan for customers 65 and older. It includes a set number of talk minutes and text messages per month, with no long-term contract. The plan does not include data, so it works best for people who make calls and send texts but do not use the internet on their phone.

Current pricing starts at around $30 per month for the base plan, though AT&T adjusts rates and plan options periodically. You pay month to month with no penalty for canceling. The plan includes 911 access and the ability to call AT&T customer service without using your minutes.

To enroll, you must call AT&T at 1-800-331-0500 or visit a local AT&T store in person. You will need to show proof of age (a driver's license or other government ID). AT&T does not offer this plan through their website or online chat, so a phone call or store visit is required.

Lifeline: the federal phone subsidy

Lifeline is a federal program that reduces your monthly phone bill by up to $9.25 if your household income meets the limit. The income threshold is 135 percent of the federal poverty line, which changes each year. For 2024, that means a single person earning roughly $1,735 per month or less, or a household of two earning roughly $2,331 per month or less. The exact amount depends on your state and family size.

AT&T participates in Lifeline, but so do other carriers. You can use Lifeline with AT&T wireless service, AT&T landline service, or switch to a different carrier that also offers Lifeline. The subsidy goes directly to your bill each month — you do not receive a check.

To enroll in Lifeline through AT&T, call 1-800-331-0500 and ask about the Lifeline program. You will need to provide proof of income (a recent tax return, pay stub, or benefits statement) and proof of identity. AT&T will verify your information with the National Lifeline Accountability Database to make sure you are not enrolled with another carrier at the same time.

If you do not currently have AT&T service, you can also look up Lifeline providers in your area through the official Lifeline website at lifelinephone.org. Some carriers offer Lifeline plans with data included, which AT&T's basic Senior Discount Plan does not.

Internet and bundled service options

AT&T does not have a senior-specific internet discount, but the company periodically runs promotional pricing on bundles that combine phone and internet service. These promotions often cost less per month than buying phone and internet separately, and they may save you more than the Senior Discount Plan alone.

Promotional pricing typically lasts 12 months, after which the rate increases. Before signing up, ask AT&T what the price will be after the promotional period ends. Some seniors find that the increase is steep enough that they want to switch carriers or drop a service at that point.

AT&T also offers AT&T Internet Basic, a lower-cost internet plan in some areas. Speeds and pricing vary by location. You can check what is available at your address on AT&T's website or by calling 1-800-331-0500.

How to compare your options

Start by writing down what services you use now: Do you make calls? Send texts? Use the internet on your phone or at home? How many minutes or gigabytes do you typically use per month? Then gather your current bill from your carrier and note the total you pay.

Next, check what you would pay under each option: the Senior Discount Plan, Lifeline (if you meet the income limit), and any current promotional bundles. AT&T customer service can give you quotes for all three. Ask specifically what the price will be after any promotional period ends.

Finally, compare AT&T's prices to at least one other carrier. Lifeline is available through multiple companies, and some may offer better rates or more data for the same price. Websites like BroadbandNow.com can show you what internet providers serve your address.

Documents and information you will need

To enroll in the Senior Discount Plan, bring a government-issued photo ID showing your age (driver's license, passport, or state ID). If you are explore in person at an AT&T store, that is usually all you need.

For Lifeline, you will need proof of income and proof of identity. Acceptable income documents include a recent tax return, a recent pay stub, a Social Security statement, a benefits award letter, or a utility bill in your name. Acceptable identity documents include a driver's license, passport, state ID, or Social Security card.

If you are switching from another carrier, ask AT&T whether you can keep your current phone number. AT&T can port most numbers, but the process takes a few days. You will need your account number and PIN from your current carrier to complete the transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the Senior Discount Plan if I am under 65?

No. AT&T's Senior Discount Plan is limited to customers 65 and older. If you are younger, you may still be able to use Lifeline if your household income is low enough, or you can compare standard AT&T plans to other carriers.

What happens to my bill after the promotional price ends?

The rate increases to AT&T's standard pricing for that plan. The amount of the increase varies. Before signing up for a promotional bundle, ask AT&T in writing what the price will be after the promotion ends so you can decide whether it is worth switching.

Can I use Lifeline and the Senior Discount Plan at the same time?

No. Lifeline is a federal subsidy that you can use with one carrier only. If you enroll in Lifeline through AT&T, you cannot use it with another carrier. You can use either Lifeline or the Senior Discount Plan, but not both.

Does AT&T offer discounts for AARP members?

AT&T does not have a formal AARP discount program. However, AARP members sometimes receive promotional offers through AARP's website or email. Check your AARP materials or call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to see if any current offers explore to your area.

What if I do not have a smartphone?

The Senior Discount Plan works on any phone, including basic flip phones and older models. You do not need a smartphone to use AT&T's phone or Lifeline service. Ask AT&T whether they have refurbished phones available if you need a device.