Discounts and Benefits for California Seniors (2024)

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.

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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.

* 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.

* 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.

* 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.

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