2026 Membership Rate & Category Changes - Launch Guide – YMCA of Silicon Valley

For example, a current Adult member who is 24 years old, will be automatically downgraded to the Young Adult category. Another example, a current Youth member aged 21 will be automatically upgraded to the Young Adult category.

Rate Code Options

Membership Rate Codes

Membership Transfers

FA stays intact on the Bill-Tos account during Transfers.

Automatic Transfers:

Any automatic changes do not need a ticket. For Current Members: All category changes will be automatically transferred in the Personify backend by their January Draft.
- For example, a current Adult member who is 24 years old, will be automatically downgraded to the Young Adult category. Another example, a current Youth member aged 21 will be automatically upgraded to the Young Adult category. No tickets for these changes need to be sent in.

Transfers requests outside the automatic January changes:

Make the member aware of the new rate(s) in January 2026.
Remember that Upgrades can happen any day. Downgrades start on their next draft day. No refunds for non-use.
- Make sure everyone has an account in Personify.
- Send a ticket into the YSC for the Transfer. Include the new membership type, and all participants to be included.
- And include if there is a new Bill-To, and new payment method or if it is staying the same.

East Palo Alto Youth & Teen (12-19)

Youth & Teen- East Palo Alto Only (12-19)

Rate is $25
This membership category is not hosted on eBusiness and only available at EPA.
Access is available for EPA only. Cannot use other branches in the association or Nationwide.

Youth & Teen- All Branches Access (12-19)

Members currently in the Youth category will move from $22 --> $41 (+$19)
This is the standard rate that is hosted on eBusiness for the general public.
Members currently in this category will remain in this category and receive the rate increase letter indicating rates will increase from $22 --> $41 (+$19).
Members need to go in person to EPA to ask to change their membership from Youth & Teen to Youth & teen East Palo Alto Only.
- EPA to submit ticket to YSC to transfer membership.
  - Mitigate cancels by offering EPA only membership
  - YSC allowed to transfer/refund EPA families wanting to move from Standard Youth & Teen to EPA Only Youth & Teen

FAQs and Talking Points

Why is my monthly membership rate increasing?

Due to significant increases in operating costs, such as wages, utilities, maintenance, technology and infrastructure, it has become necessary to make some membership rate adjustments.

I can’t afford this increase, so I’m going to cancel my membership.
If you are considering canceling your membership solely because of the increased cost, please remember that we offer financial assistance to those in need. We believe that everyone should feel healthy, confident, connected and secure, and that no one should be turned away due to an inability to pay.

I’m happy to provide you a financial assistance application or you can download one from our website. It is an easy and confidential process.

Will you be raising rates again in the future?

Likely, yes. We routinely evaluate the cost of business. We do our best to limit price increases to our members whenever possible.

Why is the Y more expensive than health/fitness clubs?

At the Y, we offer much more than just a place to work out.
- We welcome the whole family
- We offer a safe place to belong, to connect, and to learn, grow and thrive.
- We offer a variety of programs available for all ages to enhance you and your family’s health in spirit, mind and body.
- We develop your children and the youth of our community with enriching experiences, positive adult role models and values-based activities.
- We provide free onsite babysitting in our Kid's Club while you workout
- Members benefits from member pricing and some programs offer early bird registration for members
- We connect members with one another, we support your efforts to meet your goals, and we encourage you to help others.
As a nonprofit organization, we work hard to keep rates low for our members. In addition, your membership dollars cover our operating expenses, which allows us to give donated dollars back to those in need in our community, either through financial assistance or program subsidies.

Will the price of programs (i.e. swim lessons or sports) be changing as well?

Not at this time.

When will I be charged the new membership rate?

The new membership rates will take effect during your January 2026 billing cycle.

Did you increase rates for all members?

Not at this time. Membership rates and price changes vary based on a branch’s unique amenities and program offerings. All categories are routinely evaluated.

Why now? What is the reasoning for the timing?

We last increased membership rates in 2023. Due to significant increases in operating costs, such as wages, utilities, maintenance, technology and infrastructure, it has become necessary to make some membership rate adjustments.

This is outrageous – who made this decision and who can I protest to?

Please know that we do not take any price increase lightly.
We review and analyze any changes thoroughly. These increases were necessary to cover our rising operating costs and continue providing you an excellent experience.
I’d be happy to put you in touch with our Executive Director or Membership Director who can provide you with more detailed information.

Requests for Refunds due to non-usage:

Questions regarding Membership Categories

Why did you change the ages in your membership categories?

There is a well-established scientific connection between physical activity and mental health. Creating a young adult membership increases accessibility, helping young adults stay active and support their mental well-being.

Can we add relatives onto our membership?

All individuals on one membership must live in the same household. To add a relative to your family membership, the relative must live with you. However, you are welcome to bring in other relatives as a guest so they can explore the benefits of joining the Y.

I receive Financial Assistance. How will this pricing change affect me?

This price adjustment does not change your Financial Assistance award. You will receive the same percentage of Financial Assistance, which will be applied to the new monthly membership rate. You will pay the difference.

For Example:

You currently have 50% FA level.
Monthly price is $100. The Y pays $50 and you pay $50.
The new membership price goes up to $106.
The Y pays $53 and you pay $53.

Category Changes

Rate Changes

New Rates starting January 1st for New Memberships. Current Members rate/Category change start during January Draft.

Below shows the amount of monthly rate increase or decrease from the current membership rates, to the January new membership rates. N/A means there is no rate change and their monthly payments will stay the same.