Verizon 55 Plus Cell Phone Plan: What to Know About Verizon’s Mobile Plan Deal for Seniors

Verizon offers a special senior cell phone plan for older adults, featuring flexible pricing and a range of features to meet their needs. This article will help you determine if it's the right choice for you.
senior couple hugging while on a video call using their phone

With the costs of living going up, senior citizens with limited income should consider ways to cut back on expenses. If you’re looking for ways to lower your telecom provider costs, you may want to consider phone plans for seniors at Verizon. If the Verizon 55 Plus Cell Phone Plan made for seniors doesn’t fit your needs, you could opt for the other plan bundles the telecom company provides.

Unlike other plan providers Senior Assistance Club has covered, there’s only one offer for phone plans for seniors at Verizon. But that shouldn’t stop you from considering all the different bundles Verizon provides. Here’s what you should know if you’re considering cutting back by browsing for the best cell phone plans for seniors.

Pros and Cons

Verizon’s network covers the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Here’s a general overview of how having Verizon as your service provider for senior plans can be the right or wrong choice for you. Keep in mind that these pros and cons are made for the Verizon 55 plus cell phone plan, and other bundles can have their own pros and cons.

Pros Cons
  • Low-cost options. Verizon’s senior plans can go as low as $40 per line. This includes a comprehensive package of calls, texts, and data.
  • Coverage in North America. The plan automatically includes unlimited calls, texts, and data when travelling to Mexico or Canada.
  • Additional freebies and rewards from Verizon Up. Seniors who participate in Verizon Selects can sign up for rewards for additional perks from their plan.
  • Limited to senior citizens in Florida. Senior citizens must have a billing address in Florida and be at least 55 years old to qualify for the special AT&T senior citizen plan.
  • 5G coverage is limited. As of writing, only major cities like Los Angeles, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Boston, New York, Atlanta, Miami, and Philadelphia are covered by Verizon’s 5G data.
  • Data throttling and congestion. Data can be reduced to 2G speeds If you exceed a threshold of 512MB in Mexico or Canada. Overusing your plan within a 60-day period abroad can lead to limiting or removing certain services on the plan. Speeds can also be reduced during heavy network congestion.

Shopping and Prices for Senior Plans for Verizon Cell Phones

How much your Verizon plan can cost depends on which bundle you buy, how many lines you purchase, and all the other discounts you qualify for. Verizon’s bundles vary depending on how much coverage you need for calls, texts, and internet browsing. If you’re looking for something basic that you only use for emergencies for calling family, friends, and other caregivers, you may only need the smallest available bundles. However, other phone plans for seniors at Verizon may need better coverage to communicate constantly, so the cheapest and most basic plans may not be enough for your needs.

The cost of each line gets cheaper the more lines you purchase. For instance, the best price you can buy from the Verizon 55+ is $40 each for two lines. However, if purchased separately at one line, you may have to pay $60 per one line.

Also, keep in mind that the Verizon 55+ plan is only open to senior citizens in Florida. If you’re from any other state, check other Verizon deals that you can grab depending on your usage and the type of services you use the most.

What Are the Phone Plans for Seniors at Verizon?

Verizon offers only one senior plan that’s only open to senior residents in Florida. Below is everything you need to know about the Verizon 55+ plan, as well as other alternative plans from the company to help you maximize your plan where it matters.

Verizon offers $10 discounts to customers who set up an AutoPay feature and go paperless with their monthly bill. These prices already reflect that discount.

Verizon 55+ Unlimited Plan Verizon Start Unlimited Verizon Get More Unlimited Verizon Prepaid Unlimited Verizon Do More Unlimited
Best Price $80 monthly for two lines $60 monthly for two lines $80 monthly for two lines $60 monthly per line $70 monthly for two lines
Calls Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Text Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Data Unlimited (4G LTE) Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited (50GB premium network and unlimited data)
5G Access Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Mobile Hotspot Unlimited (speed up to 600 Kbps) Unlimited (5GB of high speed data and unlimited lower-speed data) Unlimited (50GB of high speed data and unlimited lower-speed data) Unlimited (5GB of 4G LTE and unlimited 600 Kbps data) Unlimited (25GB of high speed data and unlimited lower-speed data)
International Features Coverage in Mexico and Canada

Coverage in Mexico and Canada

Unlimited texts to over 200 countries

Coverage in Mexico and Canada

Unlimited texts to over 200 countries

Coverage in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands

Coverage in Mexico and Canada

Unlimited texts to over 200 countries

Verizon 55+ Unlimited Plan

For senior citizens over the age of 55 living in Florida, you can get access to unlimited calls, texts, and data through the 55+ Unlimited plan. With DVD-quality streaming, unlimited mobile hotspot, and the chance to earn Verizon Up Rewards, you can make the most out of your Verizon senior plan.

Pros

  • Two-day shipping or same-day in-store pick-up available if you’re getting a phone with your plan.
  • Additional rewards for customers who are part of Verizon Selects.
  • Available for new and existing customers as long as you meet the age and location requirements.

Cons

  • Only available to senior citizens living in Florida.
  • Not eligible for mixing and matching with other unlimited plans.
  • Maximum of two phones only, but you can add up to 10 tablets and 25 connected devices to your account.

Best For: Seniors who want good coverage for all texts, calls, and data, but aren’t really interested in getting the fastest internet speeds available.

disabled senior woman chatting on the phone by the lake

Verizon Start Unlimited

Ideal for anyone on the go, the Start Unlimited 5G plan is for those who want to try the basic version of Verizon’s unlimited plans before upgrading to the other, more premium solutions. It’s more affordable and provides just enough perks and coverage to give you a taste of Verizon’s services.

Pros

  • Most affordable out of all the unlimited postpaid plans from Verizon.
  • Can be mixed and matched with other unlimited plans so that everyone on the line gets the right amount of coverage.
  • Free six months access to Disney+, discovery+, Apple Music, and more

Cons

  • Limited premium hot spot data threshold before it throttles into lower-speed data.
  • Can experience slower speeds because of congestion.
  • Has marginally better perks as the prepaid plan, which has the same cost.

Best For: Seniors outside of Florida who want a basic level of unlimited coverage before they can consider upgrading.

Verizon Get More Unlimited

Verizon’s best unlimited plan, the 5G Get More plan offers everything you could want from a premium plan. It offers unlimited data and up to 50GB of premium hotspot data. You also get free access to other apps and streaming platforms – an additional $64.96 perk for free.

Pros

  • On top of the plan, you can opt to purchase discounted services and products from Verizon Home Internet, TravelPass, watches, tablets, hotspots, and Verizon Cloud.
  • Can be mixed and matched with other unlimited plans so that everyone on the line gets the right amount of coverage.
  • Data doesn’t have a threshold limit before reducing speeds.

Cons

  • One of the most costly plans.
  • discovery+ is only free for the first six months.
  • A compatible device is required to make the most out of the plan’s perks and bundles.

Best For: Seniors who want premium data perks, plan perks, and access to discounts for things like home internet and cloud storage.

Verizon Prepaid Unlimited

The prepaid unlimited plan provides customers with the flexibility of unlimited talk, text, and data. Because it’s prepaid, there’s no risk of overage charges. Add in Verizon’s 5G coverage in over 2,700 cities, and you have a fairly reliable plan that covers you as needed.

Pros

  • Loyalty discounts are available and increase with the number of months you stay on the plan without disconnection.
  • Unlimited calls and texts to other areas like Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, but only if you’re in the US.
  • Up to 10 smartphones, tablets, and mobile hotspots can be added to the prepaid family account.

Cons

  • The Unlimited Plus prepaid option is only $10 more and offers better data coverage, which others may need.
  • Data speeds reduce when traveling to other countries that have coverage.
  • Mobile hotspot’s speeds can impact the quality of video and audio streaming.

Best For: Seniors who want good coverage plus the flexibility of prepaid plans.

Verizon Do More Unlimited

The 5G Do More Unlimited plan is the middle-ground between the Start Unlimited and Get More Unlimited. Offering a higher level of data and mobile hotspot data, it’s a step up from the smaller amount provided from the basic package. This plan also offers the option to get Verizon Home Internet for as low as $25 monthly.

Pros

  • Plan perks focus on connectivity, offering discounts and freebies for Verizon Cloud, TravelPass, and purchasing other devices.
  • Free access to video and music streaming services for six months.
  • Can be mixed and matched with other Unlimited plans for everyone in your line.

Cons

  • Can experience data throttling and reduced speeds.
  • Requires a compatible phone.
  • You’ll need to activate your high-definition video streaming.

Best For: Seniors who want coverage that focuses less on music and video streaming and more on perks that can help them save on connectivity and data features.

Phone Plans for Seniors at Verizon: What Are My Options?

On top of the plan, you can opt to purchase a new phone that’s part of the best cell phone plans for seniors. If you’re a new Verizon customer or applying for the 55+ Unlimited plan, you’ll have to go to your nearest Verizon store to register or verify your age. There, you can pick up your new phone in the store. But if you’re an existing customer or are shopping for plans that can be purchased online, you can get your phone through a quick two-day shipping setup.

senior couple happily facetiming in their kitchen

Verizon offers a number of senior-friendly smartphones. These are smartphones with accessibility features that make it easier for seniors to navigate their phones and apps like health and wellness reminders or money saving apps for seniors that make managing their daily lives easier.

You can choose to buy a new phone and pay for it upfront or pay for it in installment on top of your monthly payments. You can also opt to use your own device and keep your current number, and you can receive up to $500 of Verizon gift cards if you’re getting a 5G unlimited plan. You can return your device within 14 days of purchase, though it’s subject to a $50 restocking fee and a separate charge for removing any installed device.

Here are some of the smartphones we recommend for senior citizens.

Samsung Galaxy A01

As part of Samsung’s more affordable series of phones, the A01 has all the basic features to make navigating a phone’s features easier. The large screen makes it easier to view what’s on your phone. Its ergonomic, lightweight design and durable materials can benefit those with motor conditions and dexterity issues that can make handling phones difficult. It also has facial recognition technology to make accessing sensitive information easier and more secure.

Motorola Moto G Play

This model was built for durability and to withstand regular wear and tear. From its water–repellant design, large and durable screen, and fast-charging battery that can last up to three days of regular use, it’s the no-fuss option for older adults on the go that don’t want to worry about the lifespan of their smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite

If the average smartphone is too small for those with certain visual conditions, you may want to consider getting a tablet that can act as a phone with its own SIM card. The wider screen makes reading more accessible, as well as a benefit for older adults who like to stream video content. It’s durable, shock-proof, and built to withstand the regular accidents and wear and tear that come with owning a tablet.

Verizon Unlimited 55+ vs. Other Senior Plans

Verizon’s 55+ cell phone plan feels at-par with that of AT&T. Both are only available in Florida and offer unlimited calls, texts, and data. The deciding factor may come down to the quality of coverage in the area you live in, as well as what you’re looking for in a plan and from customer service.

Verizon 55+ Unlimited Plan AT&T Unlimited 55+ Mint Mobile’s Mint 55+ T-Mobile’s Essentials 55+
Best Price for Senior Plans $40 per line per month for a two-line plan $40 per line per month for a two-line plan $15 per month for a one-year plan $27.50 per month for a two-line plan
Maximum Number of Lines 2 2 1 2
National Availability Only to US seniors with a Florida billing address Only to US seniors with a Florida billing address US senior citizens over the age of 55 US senior citizens over the age of 55
Calls Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Texts Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
Data Unlimited (4G LTE) Unlimited 4GB Unlimited
Data Throttling Only during congested times Only during congested times After 4GB After 50GB
Mobile Hot Spot Yes Yes Yes 3G
International Coverage Free calls, texts, and data in Mexico and Canada

Free calls and data in Canada and Mexico

Free texts from the US to over 200 countries

Free Calls to Mexico and Canada Texts and 2G Data in Canada and Mexico
Payment Plan Postpaid Postpaid Prepaid, one-time upfront payment required Postpaid
Phone Options Keep your old phone and number, or buy a new phone from Verizon online or in any of Verizon’s physical stores. Can purchase the plan on its own, buy a phone from AT&T, use your current phone. or trade-in your current phone for a discount on a new phone Buy a phone from Mint Mobile or Bring Your Own Phone Can purchase the plan on its own (for existing customers) or buy a new phone
Additional Features

DVD-quality streaming

Verizon Up Rewards

Standard-definition streaming

Compatible for both basic cellphones and smartphones

Free Full Service Activation by MINTech Advisors

7-Day Money Back Guarantee

Scam-Blocking Protection

Standard Definition Streaming Quality

FAQs

Q: Can I get more discounts for the Unlimited 55+ plan if I’m affiliated with the military/medical/teacher/employer/etc.?

A: No. Verizon doesn’t offer additional discounts with the 55+ Unlimited plan. The prices listed here and on their website are assuming you take up the AutoPay and paperless billing option, which provides a $10 discount.

Q: Do all line users under the Verizon Unlimited 55+ have to be over 55 years old?

A: No. Only the account holder needs to qualify for the program. The other line user can be of any age.

Q: I still have the plan even if I’m not from Florida. Can I keep the plan?

A: The 55+ Unlimited plan used to be available in other states, but it’s now only offered in Florida. You can continue to keep your current plan, but it won’t be offered to senior citizens in other states until further notice.