What AT&T offers seniors right now
AT&T does not have a single plan branded as a "senior plan," but the company offers several discounts and programs that reduce costs for people 65 and older. The main option is a monthly discount on wireless service through AT&T's Senior Discount program, which typically saves 10 percent on your bill. AT&T also partners with programs like Lifeline and Link Up, which are federal programs that reduce phone and internet costs for low-income households of any age.
Which option works for you depends on your income and what services you need. If you have a regular job or pension that puts you above the low-income threshold, the Senior Discount is your straightforward choice. If your household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line, you may may have access to for Lifeline instead, which typically saves more money but requires you to prove your income.
Key Takeaways
- AT&T's Senior Discount gives people 65 and older a 10 percent monthly reduction on wireless plans, with no income requirements.
- Lifeline is a federal program that reduces phone and internet costs for low-income households and may save you more than the Senior Discount if you may have access to.
- You must contact AT&T directly by phone or in person to add the Senior Discount; it does not appear online and is not automatic.
- AT&T also offers discounts for military service members, first responders, and some employers, so ask whether you may have access to for multiple discounts.
- The Senior Discount applies to wireless plans only, not home internet or landline services.
How the AT&T Senior Discount works
The Senior Discount reduces your monthly wireless bill by approximately 10 percent. The exact amount varies slightly depending on your plan and which services you use, but AT&T applies the discount to your base plan cost. This is not a one-time credit — the discount appears on every bill as long as you keep the plan active and remain 65 or older.
The discount stacks with some other offers but not all. You can combine it with autopay discounts or certain promotional credits, but you cannot use it alongside other loyalty discounts or family plan reductions. Before you sign up, ask AT&T which discounts you currently have and whether adding the Senior Discount will actually lower your total bill, because sometimes a promotional offer you already have is worth more.
The Senior Discount applies only to wireless plans. If you have AT&T home internet, a landline, or bundled services, the discount does not reduce those portions of your bill. You pay the full price for internet and landline service.
How to add the Senior Discount to your account
You cannot add the Senior Discount online or through the AT&T mobile app. You must call AT&T customer service at 611 from an AT&T phone, or call 1-800-331-0500 from any phone. Have your account number ready, and be prepared to confirm your age. AT&T may ask for your date of birth or a government ID number to verify you are 65 or older.
You can also visit an AT&T store in person and ask a representative to add the discount. Bring a photo ID that shows your date of birth. The discount usually takes effect on your next billing cycle, though AT&T may apply it immediately in some cases.
If you have multiple lines on your account, the discount applies to all of them as long as the account holder is 65 or older. You do not need to verify the age of each individual line.
Lifeline: a larger discount if your income qualifies
Lifeline is a federal program that reduces the cost of phone service for households with low income. Unlike the Senior Discount, Lifeline is not limited to people 65 and older — anyone whose household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line can use it. For a single person in 2024, that threshold is roughly $1,900 per month; for a family of four, it is roughly $3,900 per month. These amounts change yearly, so check the current threshold at lifelinesupport.org.
Lifeline typically reduces your AT&T wireless bill by $9.25 per month, which is more than the 10 percent Senior Discount for most people. You can receive Lifeline on one phone line per household. If you already receive benefits from programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, you may not need to prove your income — AT&T can verify your status directly with those programs.
To add Lifeline to your AT&T account, call 1-800-331-0500 and ask about the Lifeline program, or visit lifelinesupport.org to find your state's enrollment process. Some states handle Lifeline enrollment through a separate agency, so the website will direct you to the right place.
Other AT&T discounts you might may have access to for
AT&T offers discounts beyond the Senior Discount that you may be able to combine or choose instead. Military members and veterans receive a 15 percent discount on most plans. First responders, including police, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel, also receive 15 percent off. Some employers have negotiated group discounts with AT&T, so check whether your current or former employer is on the list.
If you are a student, AT&T offers discounts through Student Beans and other student verification services. If you are a member of AARP, you may receive a discount through AT&T's partnership with that organization, though the discount amount varies and is sometimes smaller than the standard Senior Discount.
Before you commit to the Senior Discount, ask AT&T which discounts you currently have and which ones you could add. Sometimes a military or employer discount is larger, and you can only use one at a time.
What to do if you have AT&T home internet or a landline
The Senior Discount applies to wireless plans only. If you have AT&T home internet, a traditional landline, or a bundle that includes both wireless and internet, the discount reduces only the wireless portion of your bill. The internet and landline charges stay the same.
For home internet, AT&T does not have a senior-specific discount, but you may may have access to for Lifeline's internet component if your income is low enough. Some states also run their own low-income internet programs. Check with your state's public utilities commission or contact AT&T directly to learn what is available in your area.
If you have a traditional AT&T landline (not a wireless phone), the Senior Discount does not apply. Lifeline can reduce the cost of a landline if you may have access to by income. Call 1-800-331-0500 to ask about Lifeline for landline service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AT&T customer already to get the Senior Discount?
No. If you are 65 or older, you can switch to AT&T and add the Senior Discount to a new plan. Call 1-800-331-0500 or visit an AT&T store to set up a new account and request the discount at the same time. The discount takes effect once your account is active.
Can I use both the Senior Discount and Lifeline at the same time?
No. You can use one or the other, but not both on the same line. If you may have access to for Lifeline by income, compare the two discounts and choose whichever saves you more money. Lifeline typically saves more for most people, but the Senior Discount requires no income verification.
What happens to my Senior Discount if I turn 65 while I am on an AT&T plan?
You need to contact AT&T and ask them to add the discount to your account. It does not activate automatically on your birthday. Call 611 from your AT&T phone or 1-800-331-0500 from any phone, and have your ID ready to verify your age.
Does the Senior Discount work on prepaid plans?
AT&T's Senior Discount is available on postpaid plans (the standard monthly billing plans). Prepaid plans have different pricing and do not may have access to for the Senior Discount. If you use a prepaid plan, ask AT&T whether switching to a postpaid plan with the Senior Discount would cost less overall.
Can I add the Senior Discount to a family plan?
Yes. If you are the account holder and are 65 or older, the Senior Discount applies to all lines on your family plan. You do not need to verify the age of other family members on the plan.