Jury duty for seniors: age excuses, health and how to respond

Older adults are often surprised to get a jury summons in their 70s or 80s. There's no upper age limit on jury service. Many people serve well into retirement and value the experience, and juries benefit from their perspective. Many courts do, however, let older adults ask to be excused. This guide explains how age excuses work, what to do if health is a concern, and how to avoid scams that target older jurors.

Is there an age limit?

No. Federal qualifications set a minimum age of 18 but no maximum. Most states are the same. Your age alone doesn't disqualify you, so a summons at 85 is valid and needs a response.

The federal over-70 excuse

The U.S. Courts explain that most federal district courts offer permanent excuses, on individual request, to certain groups for whom service would be an undue hardship or extreme inconvenience. The examples they list include persons over age 70.

Key points:

• It's optional. You can serve if you'd like to. The excuse exists for those who want it.
• You must ask. Look for the excuse section on the qualification questionnaire and check the box or write in your request.
• Each district sets its own list. Nearly all offer an age-based excuse, but the details are in each court's jury selection plan.
• "Permanent" means what it says. If granted, you usually won't be summoned again by that federal court.

State courts

Many states offer a similar age-based excuse, though the age and the procedure vary. Some excuse people over 70, some over 75, and some offer no age excuse but will consider health-related requests. Read the instructions on your summons, or check your state through our state directory. If your state has no age excuse, you can still ask for a medical excuse or a postponement.

Health concerns: excuse or accommodation?

Age often comes with health considerations that matter more than the number itself. Ask yourself:

• Could I serve with an accommodation? Courts can provide hearing assistance, accessible seating, regular breaks and help getting around the building. State courts must comply with ADA Title II, which covers courts. See jury duty with a disability.
• Is service genuinely impractical? If you have a serious medical condition, frequent appointments or limited mobility, ask for a medical excuse. Include a short note from your doctor if the court asks for one.

Virginia's answer book notes that while you won't be excused for inconvenience, you may be for reasons such as a physical ailment.

Caregiving

Many older adults care for a spouse or partner. If you're a primary caregiver and can't arrange alternative care, explain that in your request. Courts often grant postponements, and sometimes excuses, to caregivers. See jury duty for parents and caregivers.

If you want to serve

Plenty of retirees welcome the chance. A few tips:

• Plan transportation. Ask whether the court offers parking, transit help or drop-off areas close to the entrance.
• Bring what you need for a long day: medications, a sweater, snacks if allowed, reading glasses, and hearing aids with spare batteries.
• Speak up about hearing. Many courtrooms have assistive listening devices. Ask for one before you miss testimony.
• Mention scheduling limits during jury selection if a long trial would conflict with medical appointments.

Federal jurors receive $50 a day plus reasonable transportation costs. State pay varies. Juror fees are generally taxable income. If you receive means-tested benefits and are unsure whether a few days of fees matter, ask the agency that administers them. See is jury duty pay taxable?.

Don't ignore the summons

Even if you're certain you qualify for an excuse, respond. An unanswered summons can lead to follow-up notices or an order to appear. Under federal law, a person who fails to appear without good cause can face a fine, a short jail term or community service. Courts are generally understanding with older adults who simply didn't realize they needed to reply, but it's easier to respond on time.

Beware of jury scams

Scammers target older adults with calls claiming they missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest. The U.S. Courts say federal courts don't require anyone to provide sensitive information by phone call or email, and most contact with prospective jurors is by U.S. mail. Remember:

• Courts don't demand payment by phone, and never accept gift cards.
• Hang up and call the court yourself using the number on your summons or the court's official website.
• Report attempts to your local federal court clerk and to the FTC.

See jury duty scams for more.

Remote and modern options

Some courts now let jurors complete questionnaires online, check reporting status by phone or website, and receive reminders by text or email. If you're not comfortable online, every court still accepts paper responses and phone calls. Ask a family member to help if needed, and keep the paper summons, which has the official contact details.

Helping an older relative

If you help a parent or grandparent with mail, watch for summonses and questionnaires and help them respond. You can help fill out forms, but sworn answers should reflect their own information, and they should sign. If they have dementia or another cognitive condition, contact the jury office about a medical excuse and provide documentation.

Frequently asked questions

I'm 72 and I'd like to serve. Will they excuse me anyway? No. Age excuses are on request. If you don't ask, you'll be treated like any other juror.

I was excused last year for age. Why did I get another summons? It might be from a different court, federal rather than state or the other way around, or your excuse may have been temporary. Respond and mention the prior excuse.

Can I request an excuse by phone? Many courts accept phone requests, but written or online requests leave a record. Use the method on your summons.

Key takeaways

• There's no maximum age for jury service, so respond to every summons.
• Most federal courts excuse people over 70 who ask, and many states have similar rules.
• Courts can accommodate hearing, mobility and health needs if you want to serve.
• Never pay a "missed jury duty" fine over the phone.