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Discounts and Benefits for California Seniors

42 min read

Discovering all the hidden senior discounts and benefits that help stretch your budget in California just got easier! Whether dining out, shopping for essentials, or planning your next adventure, these verified and current discounts for seniors will help you do more and spend less.

In addition to our list of retail locations, restaurants, grocery stores, and automotive services that provide discounts and other benefits for seniors, save money by switching to these cheap streaming services. Get your streaming fix and make those pennies stretch.

What is a Senior Discount?

Senior discounts began in the 1960s to build brand loyalty and are typically a price reduction or a small perk given to those over a certain age. Below, you’ll find a curated list of verified and current discounts and deals available to California seniors.

What Age Qualifies for Senior Discounts?

Every retailer offering senior discounts sets their own policy. They offer discounts on groceries, dining, telephone service, movie tickets, and more. Most of these start at age 65, and some require membership in AARP. Other discounts become available at various ages, beginning at 50.

Retail Senior Discounts

Many California retail stores offer discounts and other benefits for seniors.

Retailer Discount In-store or Online Eligibility Availability
Retailer Amazon Discount 50% off membership In-store or Online Online Eligibility Must be the recipient of qualifying government assistance, including SSI and SNAP Availability Every day
Retailer Big Lots Discount Exclusive coupons, free gifts, rewards, 10% military and vets discount In-store or Online In-store and Online Eligibility Must have a free Big Lots account Availability Every day
Retailer CVS Discount Earn 2% rewards, get insider deals and a birthday treat In-store or Online In-store and Online Eligibility Must have a free CVS account Availability Every day
Retailer Goodwill Discount 10% off (some locations offer more) In-store or Online In-store Eligibility 60+ years Availability Every Tuesday (some locations differ days)
Retailer Ace Hardware Discount 10% off In-store or Online In-store Eligibility 55+ - 65+ varies by location Availability Every Thursday (some locations differ days)
Retailer Ross Dress for Less Discount 10% off In-store or Online In-store Eligibility 55+ years Availability Every Tuesday
Retailer JOANN Discount 15% off In-store or Online In-store Eligibility 55+ years Availability The day varies by location
Retailer Kohl's Discount 15% off In-store or Online In-store Eligibility 60+ years Availability Every Wednesday
Retailer Michaels Discount 10% off In-store or Online In-store and Online Eligibility 55+ years Availability Every day
Retailer Rite Aid Discount Earn 5x points, special activities, and free pharmacist consultation In-store or Online In-store Eligibility 65+ years Availability First Wednesday of the month
Retailer Red, White, and Blue Thrift Stores Discount 50% off select products In-store or Online In-store Eligibility 55+ years Availability Every Wednesday
Retailer Savers Discount Discount varies by location In-store or Online In-store Eligibility 55+ years Availability Tuesdays
Retailer Walgreens Discount 20% off eligible items In-store or Online In-store and Online Eligibility 55+ years or an AARP member; must have a free myWalgreens account Availability The in-store day varies by location

* discounts may vary

Restaurant Senior Discounts

California restaurants offer some of the best benefits for seniors, providing a budget-friendly way to visit with friends.

Restaurant Discount Eligibility
Restaurant Bakers Square Discount 10% off Eligibility 60+ years
Restaurant Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Discount 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages Eligibility AARP member
Restaurant Chart House Discount Eligibility AARP member
Restaurant Denny's Discount 15% off and discounted 55+ menu Eligibility AARP members 15% discount, 55+ for senior menu
Restaurant El Pollo Loco Discount 10% off (up to $1) Eligibility 60+ years
Restaurant IHOP Discount Discounted 55+ menu Eligibility 55+ years
Restaurant Joe's Crab Shack Discount 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages Eligibility AARP member
Restaurant Landry's Seafood Discount 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages Eligibility AARP member
Restaurant Landry's Inc. Restaurants Discount 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages Eligibility AARP member
Restaurant McCormick & Schmick's Discount 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages Eligibility AARP member
Restaurant Outback Steakhouse Discount 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages Eligibility AARP member
Restaurant Panda Express Discount 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages Eligibility 55+ years
Restaurant Rainforest Cafe Discount 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages Eligibility AARP member
Restaurant Red Lobster Discount 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages Eligibility 55+ years
Restaurant The Oceanaire Seafood Room Discount 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages Eligibility AARP member

* discounts may vary

Grocery Store Senior Discounts

While most grocery stores offer membership programs for all shoppers, with exclusive discounts and rewards, the following provide specific discounts and benefits for seniors.

Grocery Store Discount Eligibility Availability
Grocery Store Fry’s Food Stores Discount 10% off most items Eligibility 55+ years Availability First Wednesday of each month
Grocery Store Albertsons Discount 10% off Eligibility 60+ years Availability First Wednesday of each month
Grocery Store Grocery Outlet Discount Discount amount varies Eligibility Age varies Availability Varies by store/owner

* discounts may vary

Automotive Senior Discounts

Many people are surprised to learn of auto-related benefits for seniors. In addition to senior discounts on car insurance for those who take and pass a DMV-approved defensive driver course for seniors, savings on car maintenance and rentals are available in California.

* discounts may vary

State Benefits for California Seniors

In addition to retail and automotive discounts, let’s not forget the state benefits available to California seniors. Factors like age and income level will determine eligibility. Contact your local county social services for details.

  • Medi-Cal: California's Medicaid program that provides low-cost or free health coverage to seniors with limited income and resources.
  • In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Provides services like housekeeping, meal preparation, and personal care for seniors who need assistance to remain safely in their homes.
  • California Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program: Provides low-income seniors with coupons to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs at farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community farms.
  • Property Tax Assistance: Eligible seniors can get help with property taxes, including exemptions, postponement programs, and assistance programs.
  • Utility Assistance: Low-income seniors may qualify for discounted utility rates or energy assistance programs like LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program).
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/CalFresh): Provides monthly food benefits to low-income seniors to purchase groceries.
  • Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP): Case management services that allow seniors to remain independent and in their homes through adult day care, housing assistance, meal services, and more.
  • Senior community centers and services: Many counties/cities operate senior centers offering meals, recreation, education, and other services.

In addition to our California guide to verified benefits for seniors for 2024, feel free to ask your favorite shops and services if they offer any senior citizen discounts or other benefits that may be available to you.

While you’re here, why not take a moment to connect with a friendly Wawanesa agent to be sure your auto insurance coverage is up-to-date and that you’re fully protected? You can find out more ways to get discounts on your car insurance.

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Disclaimer:

The above content is for informational purposes only and is not a direct representation of coverages offered by Wawanesa or its policies. The information does not refer to any specific contract of insurance and does not modify any definitions, provisions, exclusions or limitations expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. All references within the above content are illustrative and may not apply to your situation. The terms and conditions of the actual insurance policy or policies involved in a claim are determinative as to whether an accident or other loss is covered. To understand the coverage under your current policy, please log into the account management platform to review your policy or contact an agent directly.

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Company Discount Eligibility
Company Avis Discount Up to 30% off base rates Eligibility AARP member
Company Budget Rent a Car Discount Up to 30% off base rates, plus exclusive benefits for seniors Eligibility AARP member
Company Budget Truck Rental Discount 10% - 20% off truck rentals Eligibility AARP member
Company Integrity 1st Automotive Discount Exclusive senior discounts Eligibility 65+ yearsMidas
Company Midas Discount 10% off at most stores Eligibility 55+ years
Company Payless Car Rental Discount Save 5% off base rates, plus get a free upgrade on bookings Eligibility AARP member
Company Pep Boys Discount 10% off Eligibility 55+ years
Company Thrifty Car Rental Discount 5% off Eligibility 50+ years and member of the free Silver Thrifty Club
Company Wawanesa Insurance Discount Discount on car insurance Eligibility 55+ years with successful completion of DMV-approved defensive driver course
Company Valvoline Instant Oil Change Discount 15% off oil changes and other services Eligibility AARP member