Discounts, benefits and handouts for state pensioners are widely publicised – but one expert has pointed out that actually, you don’t even need to be retired to get many freebies available to older people.
In fact, according to Money Magpie expert Vicky Parry, there are as many as 10 discounts, freebies and handouts that anyone over 60 can claim, even if they’re still working and haven’t yet retired or drawn a pension.
Some are discounts on the cost of booking, others are direct freebies based only on a person’s age, but none of them require drawing a pension to be able to get.
‘I’m an expert – here are 10 freebies and discounts available for over 60s right now’ (Image: GETTY)
Free Bus Pass
The free bus pass scheme has slightly different rules for each area of the UK and can vary from council to council as well as between constituent nations of the UK. Those in Scotland, Wales and Ireland can apply for one when they turn 60. In England, you need to be the state pension age to apply.
One exception is if you live in London, when you can apply for a free bus pass when you’re 60.
The pass previously provided free travel at any time. However, it is now available for off-peak travel only in most areas. It’s genereally recommended that you check your local authority website before travelling (if you have a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass, you can still travel any time). Off-peak travel is any time between 9am and 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends.
Coach discounts
Over 60s in England and Wales can buy a Senior Coachcard for £15 (plus £3 P&P) for a third off all National Express coach fares. You can also bag extra discounts with £15 anywhere returns on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays if you book three or more days in advance. You can also get 15% off the price of an adult Fully Flexible fare.
Train Discounts
A Senior Railcard is £30 per year (or £70 for three years). It gives you savings on a wide range of tickets, including many First Class, Standard, Advance tickets and off-peak bookings – except for journeys made during morning peak-time tickets in London and the South East/ Network Rail area.
You should always check with the service provider about Railcard restrictions before booking your tickets, as exemptions can and do change from route to route and at different times.
You can buy a Senior Railcard online, at any staffed National Rail ticket office, or call 0345 3000 250.
Over 60s can also benefit from savings from TfL (Image: Getty)
Tube Travel Oyster card
Those who are over 60 can get a 60+ London Oyster Photocard which means you can travel free on TfL services from 9am weekdays and anytime at the weekend and on bank holidays, useful if you live in London but still a money saver if you just visit the capital.
Food
If you are over 60, lots of restaurants and cafes offer an early dinner discount for over 60s. Dobbies Garden Centres offer over 60s a main meal and a cake for only £11.95 Monday to Friday, from 12pm until 3pm.
Every Tuesday, all those who are 60 years old and older can bag 10 percent off their shop, with no minimum spend, at Iceland and The Food Warehouse.
Theatre and cinema discounts
Most local cinemas and theatres will give concessionary rates for over 60s. You could also look for cheaper cinema tickets, too. Many cinemas have ‘silver screen’ matinee showings – for example, the ODEON Silver Screen tickets cost just £3.50 and include free tea, coffee and biscuits before the film.
The first place to look for these discounts is directly with the theatre or cinema. The National Theatre offers £20 off midweek matinees for the over 60s. The Royal Shakespeare Company has a 20 percent discount available for the over 65s on all seats for Monday and Tuesday evening performances and all midweek matinees.
Specsavers and Boots
If you’re over 60 and buy a pair of glasses from the chain for £70 or move, you’ll get 20% off. The deal includes frames, lenses and any Extra Options such as treatments to protect your lenses or offer sun protection.
Meanwhile, Boots the chemist has an Over 60s rewards programme which will give double Advantage Card points. There are also events like prize draws, and you’ll receive extra points at Boots Hearingcare.
