
AT&T Senior Plans: Phones and Discounts for Seniors


AT&T offers specialized phone plans for seniors seeking affordability and simplicity. Now, residents of any state ages 55 and older can access two lines of exclusive unlimited talk, text, and data plans for just $35 per line monthly. The cost of one line is $40 per month.
Beyond competitive pricing, AT&T provides robust device options ranging from advanced smartphones to user-friendly flip phones with oversized buttons and hearing aid compatibility. Additional benefits include scam protection, mobile security apps, and 10 GB of hotspot data per month. What’s more, the new AT&T 55+ plan is available across the entire United States. AT&T delivers reliable nationwide coverage and senior-friendly options worth exploring.
FYI: If you don’t need data, then you can find a cellular plan from $10 per month. To compare providers, and to see just how low the prices go, check out our rundown of the best senior phone plans.
Note that the new plan replaces both the previous Florida-only plan as well as the AARP Signature Program. You won’t be able to enroll in these programs, but existing customers can choose to keep them.
AT&T for Seniors Pros and Cons
AT&T Pros
- Plans from $25 per month: Starting at $25 per month, AT&T is easily one of the most affordable prepaid wireless providers for seniors.
- Senior plans starting at $35 per line per month: If you don’t want to prepay, you can get two lines of the 55+ plan for just $35 per line per month.
- Advanced devices: Being one of the nation’s largest cellular providers, AT&T offers just about any type of cell phone, from advanced iPhones to simple flip phones.
- Discounts for multiple lines: Nearly all of AT&T’s cellular plans come at discounted rates with each additional line of service you purchase.
AT&T Cons
- Higher upfront costs: While AT&T’s prepaid plans have lower monthly costs, they must be paid in full at the beginning, driving up the initial costs.
- Activation fees: Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay an activation fee of up to $50 per line.
- Discount doesn’t kick in immediately: The 55+ discount only kicks in after the first three billing cycles.
How To Shop with AT&T
AT&T’s website is great for searching for a new phone or plan. You’ll find online information on various flip phones, smartphones, and different service plans.
For seniors 55 and over, there is only one plan available, aptly titled AT&T 55+. The plan includes:
- Unlimited talk, text, and data in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, though your speeds may be slower if the network is busy
- ActiveArmor security, which will block spam calls and text messages
- 10GB of a mobile hotspot per month
- Standard definition streaming
- 5G access
One line is $40 a month, while two lines are $70 a month, or $35 each.
AT&T also offers several affordable prepaid phone plans for those who don’t spend a great deal of time on cellular usage. I’d recommend looking into their $25 per month prepaid phone plan with unlimited talk, text, and data, plus 10GB of hotspot data per month. But note that you’ll have to pay $300 upfront to get this plan for a year.
AT&T, like Verizon and T-Mobile, offers plans tailored to older adults, now available across the U.S. You can get this offer either by calling 866-321-2940, or by checking your eligibility here: https://www.att.com/verification/age/.
AT&T Plans for Seniors
Plan | Cost per month | Talk, text, and data | ActiveArmor security | GB of hotspot data per line per month | Streaming | 5G |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unlimited+ 10GB hotspot data | $25 | Unlimited talk, text, and data, but speeds may be slowed after 16GB
Unlimited text from U.S. to 230+ countries Calls to Canada/Mexico from U.S. |
Yes | 10 | SD | Yes |
5GB data | $30 | Unlimited talk and text, 5GB data (rolls over to next month if unused) | Yes | Uses plan data allotment | SD | Yes |
AT&T 55+ | 1 line: $40
2 lines: $35 per line |
Unlimited talk, text, and data in U.S., Canada, and Mexico, but speeds slowed during busy hours | Yes | 10 | SD | Yes |
AT&T Unlimited Level Up | $50.99 | Unlimited talk, text, and data, but speeds may be slowed after 30GB
Unlimited text from U.S. to 230+ countries Unlimited talk, text, and data in/between U.S., Canada, and Mexico (25GB limit in Canada) |
Yes | Can add 5GB for $15 | SD | Yes |
Unlimited Basic | $45 | Unlimited talk, text, and data, but speeds may be slowed after 30GB
Unlimited text from U.S. to 230+ countries Unlimited talk, text, and data in/between U.S., Canada, and Mexico (25GB limit in Canada) |
Yes | 0 | SD | No |
Unlimited MAX +25GB hotspot data | $55 | Unlimited talk, text, and data, but speeds may be slowed after 50GB
Unlimited text from U.S. to 230+ countries Unlimited talk, text, and data in/between U.S., Canada, and Mexico (25GB limit in Canada, 5G in U.S. only, otherwise 2G) |
Yes | 25 | HD | Yes |
Unlimited MAX +35GB hotspot data | $65 | Unlimited talk, text, and data, but speeds may be slowed after 50GB
Unlimited text from U.S. to 230+ countries Unlimited talk, text, and data in/between U.S., Canada, and Mexico (25GB limit in Canada, 5G in U.S. only, otherwise 2G) 500 minutes of long-distance calling to 30+ countries per month |
Yes | 25 | HD | Yes |
In addition to these plans, there is also AT&T Lifeline, a federal program that is perfect for older adults who have a fixed income or are dependent on government programs. Qualifying households get at a minimum of $5.25 per month discount on their phone bill, which can add up to significant savings over the course of a year.
Savings tip: An additional $10 discount is applicable on choosing AutoPay and paperless billing.
AT&T Devices
AT&T retails almost every kind of phone there is, from the latest from Apple and Samsung to basic flip phones. Many of the devices can either be bought for a one-time-fee or via an installment plan, where the associated cost is added to your monthly cellular bill and is typically paid off within 36 months. Users may subscribe to AT&T wireless service by buying a new phone or exchanging the old phone for a discount on a newer model.
Here’s a selection of AT&T’s cell phones that are perfectly geared towards the needs of older adults:
SONIM XP5plus
The average American is said to drop their phone at least four times1 a week. Fortunately, the SONIM XP5plus is drop-proof, in addition to having oversized buttons and keys. Retailing at $339.99, it has AT&T’s Enhanced Push-to-Talk (EPTT) capabilities that make for more simplified calling. This rugged phone is perfect for older users who use their device primarily for making calls and texting, and it can be used with any of AT&T’s plans. Additionally, it has a three-year warranty and oversized buttons and keys for older adults with dexterity or vision impairments.
TCL Classic
At $74.99, this lightweight device is ideal for everyday communication. Moreover, users can watch YouTube, get directions from Google Maps, and execute tasks via voice commands using the phone’s integrated Google Assistant. With long-lasting battery life, the TCL Classic’s large keypad and navigation keys also make it easy to operate, even for those struggling with arthritis and vision impairment. It’s also completely hearing aid compatible, which is great for the 50 percent of those older than 75 who have hearing loss.2
AT&T Benefits for Seniors
Here are some other benefits of an AT&T plan for seniors.
- ActiveArmor app: This free app helps users avoid spam and fraud calls. It also enables safe browsing, identity monitoring, and more. It’s available with all of AT&t’s plans.
- Protect Advantage: At around $15 per month for one phone or $50 per month for four, AT&T offers same-day device replacement and setup for lost, stolen, and broken phones.
Compare Providers
Bottom Line
When it comes to finding cellular solutions that are suited to older adults in North America, AT&T really takes the cake. Granted, AT&T’s plans are a bit on the pricier end of the spectrum, especially compared to Consumer Cellular whose basic unlimited plans start at just $20 per month. Still, AT&T’s plans targeted at older folks are still about $10 cheaper than that of most competitors.
AT&T’s speed, coverage area, and reliability more than make up for this premium. I will admit though that it was a little disappointing that a mobile emergency response device that AT&T had launched in 2013, called EverThere,3 was conspicuously absent from the list of devices being sold on the website. So if you’re looking for a phone with medical alert capabilities, I’d recommend checking out the Jitterbug Smart4 from Lively.
To learn more about our favorite phones and plans for seniors, check out our helpful guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does AT&T offer a plan with just talk minutes?
AT&T no longer offers plans with purely talk minutes. Its most affordable plan provides unlimited talk, text, and data, plus 10GB of hotspot data per month, for $25 per month, prepaid for a year for $300.
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With AT&T wireless, can I keep my existing cell phone?
With AT&T, you may keep your current device, even if it’s from another service provider, as long as it uses a SIM card. To see if your phone is compatible with AT&T’s network, view the following PDF: https://www.att.com/scmsassets/images/support/pdf/Devices-Working-on-ATT-Network.pdf.
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How does AT&T verify the age of the applicant?
AT&T verifies the age of its applicants by checking their age, either over the phone, online or in store, via their driver’s license or another valid ID. Here is the information you need to verify your age:
- Phone: 855-959-2355
- Online: https://www.att.com/verification/age/
- Store directory: https://www.att.com/stores/
Nebraska residents must ensure that the photos of their driver’s licenses do not include the magnetic strip or barcode.
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Do both phone line users need to be over 55?
With AT&T’s 55+ plan for seniors, only the account holder needs to be over the age of 55. The user of the other line can be younger.
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How many lines can I add on an AT&T 55+ plan?
With AT&T, you may have up to two phone lines on the 55+ plan. You pay $35 per line per month for 2 lines ($70 total) or $40 per line per month for one line.