For seniors in the United States seeking value and simplicity in their mobile phone service, understanding specific carrier offerings is key. Verizon Wireless offers a plan tailored to older adults, commonly known as the verizon over 55 plan, designed to provide essential services at a discounted rate.
What is the Verizon Over 55 Plan?
The official name for this offering is the Verizon 55+ Unlimited Plan. It is a specific postpaid mobile phone plan providing unlimited talk, text, and data access on Verizon’s network, exclusively available to eligible individuals aged 55 and older, but with significant geographic restrictions.
Features Included in the Verizon Over 55 Plan
Customers who qualify for and sign up for the 55+ Unlimited Plan typically receive:
- Unlimited Talk & Text: Make and receive unlimited calls and text messages within the United States.
- Unlimited Smartphone Data: Access to Verizon’s 4G LTE and 5G Nationwide networks for Browse, apps, and email directly on your smartphone. (Note: Like some other entry-level unlimited plans, data speeds may be temporarily slowed during times of network congestion).
- DVD-Quality Streaming: Video typically streams at standard definition (around 480p).
- Unlimited Mobile Hotspot: Allows sharing your phone’s data connection with other devices, though speeds are generally limited (typically to 600 Kbps).
- Mexico & Canada Usage: Includes talk, text, and data use to and from Mexico and Canada (subject to potential data speed reductions after a daily allowance, e.g., 2GB high speed per day, then slower speeds).
- Verizon Up Rewards: Access to Verizon’s customer rewards program.
Read more about: verizon international calling rates
Who is Eligible for the Verizon Over 55 Plan? (Critical Details)
Eligibility for this specific plan is quite strict and represents its most significant limitation:
- Age Requirement: The primary Account Owner on the account must be 55 years of age or older.
- Location Restriction: This plan is only available to residents of Florida who have a valid Florida billing address. It is not available nationwide.
- Account Type: It can generally be obtained by new Verizon customers meeting the criteria, or by existing Verizon customers who live in Florida, are 55+, and switch to this plan.
- Line Limit: The verizon over 55 plan supports a maximum of two phone lines per account. You cannot add a third phone line while remaining on this specific plan. (Other connected devices like tablets or watches can often be added).
- Verification: Verizon requires proof of age (e.g., driver’s license, government ID) and proof of Florida residency (e.g., utility bill, Florida ID) during the enrollment process.
Pricing for the Verizon Over 55 Plan
The cost offers a discount compared to standard unlimited plans. Typical pricing (subject to change, always verify with Verizon) is approximately:
- $62 per month for a single line
- $84 per month total for two lines ($42 per line)
Important Note: These prices generally require enrollment in Auto Pay (using a bank account or Verizon Visa Card) and paper-free billing to receive the maximum discount. Standard government taxes and fees are added to these base rates.
How to Enroll in the Verizon Over 55 Plan
If you meet the age and Florida residency requirements:
- New Customers: You may be able to sign up online through the Verizon website after completing the necessary age and address verification steps.
- Existing Customers/Verification Needed: It’s often necessary to either call Verizon customer service or visit a Verizon retail store (preferably one located in Florida) to provide documentation verifying your age and Florida address to switch to or sign up for the 55+ Unlimited Plan.
Alternatives for Seniors Outside Florida
Since the verizon over 55 plan is exclusive to Florida residents, seniors living in other US states need to consider other options:
- Standard Verizon Unlimited Plans: Explore Verizon’s regular “myPlan” options (Unlimited Welcome, Unlimited Plus, Unlimited Ultimate). While not age-restricted discounts, they offer various features, and you might qualify for other discounts (e.g., military, first responder, nurse, teacher – note these typically don’t stack with the 55+ discount).
- Verizon Prepaid: Consider Verizon’s prepaid plans for flexibility without annual contracts or credit checks, though they lack the specific 55+ discount.
- Other Carriers: Investigate senior-specific plans offered nationwide by other major carriers like T-Mobile or specialized providers like Consumer Cellular or Lively, which may provide competitive pricing and features available across the country.
Conclusion: The Verizon Over 55 Plan: A Targeted Florida Offering
The verizon over 55 plan (officially the 55+ Unlimited Plan) presents a valuable, discounted option for Florida residents aged 55 and older seeking unlimited mobile service on Verizon’s network for one or two lines. Its key features and lower price point are appealing, but the strict Florida-only residency requirement is the most critical factor determining eligibility. Seniors outside Florida should explore Verizon’s standard plan offerings or compare options from other carriers.
