Money blog: ‘Black boxes’ likely control how much you pay online – and risks AI could learn to force prices up | UK News

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Money blog: ‘Black boxes’ likely control how much you pay online – and risks AI could learn to force prices up | UK News

The cut to pensioners’ winter fuel allowance has dominated headlines in recent weeks. 

Sir Keir Starmer’s government says the change is needed to help fill a £22bn “black hole” in the public finances, but campaigners say some poorer pensioners will be forced to choose between heating and eating over winter. 

But aside from the winter fuel allowance, reaching retirement age comes with other entitlements and perks. 

Here we take a look at the benefits and discounts available to pensioners…

Government benefits and entitlements

State pension

This is a regular payment from the government once you reach state pension age and it’s determined by your national insurance contributions.

State pension age is currently 66 for both men and women.

A full basic state pension comes in at £221.20 a week and you can read more about it here. 

Attendance allowance

Worth up to £108.55 a week, this is for people over state pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. 

Eligibility information here. 

Pension credit

This is a means-tested benefit for people over state pension age who have a low income.

It comes in at £218.15 a week for single people and £332.95 per week for couples.

More information here. 

Cold weather payment

This benefit is £25 a week and to be eligible the average temperature in your area needs to have been, or be forecasted to be, 0C or less for seven days in a row. You’ll usually be eligible for the payments if you get pension credit.

Check your eligibility here

Warm Home Discount

It’s a one-off payment of £150 to help with the cost of energy during the winter. Those who are with an electricity supplier who is part of the Warm Home Discount scheme will get the payment automatically if you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit portion of pension credit.

Info here. 

National Insurance cut

You stop paying Class 4 National Insurance after you reach state pension age.

Free gas safety check

Some energy companies provide free gas safety checks for those ages 65.

To sign up, just search for your gas provider (eg, British Gas) and “Priority Services Register”. 

TV

Those over the age of 75 and receiving pension credit can get a free TV Licence, paid for by the BBC.

Health

Eye tests

You’re entitled to a free NHS sight test if are 60 or over.

Info here. 

Dental

NHS dental treatment is not free for pensioners, but you may be eligible for free dental treatment if you or your partner receive: 

  • Income Support
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
  • Universal Credit

Info here. 

Wigs and fabric support

You’re entitled to free NHS wigs and fabric supports if you or your partner gets:

  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit or
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit.

Travel

Senior railcard

This allows those aged 60 or over to save 1/3 on most rail fares throughout Great Britain.

A one-year card costs £30 while a three-year senior railcard is £70.

Sign up here.

Interrail pass

Over 60s can enjoy 10% discount on travel in Europe with this pass (which lets you explore 33 countries by train).

Click here if you’re interested. 

Free bus pass

In Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and London, you can get a pass for free travel when you reach 60.

Apply for those here. 

National Express senior coachcard

If you’re 60 or over you can get a senior coachcard which offers 1/3 off standard and fully flexible fares to hundreds of towns, cities and airports across the UK.

Click here for more on that. 

London taxicard scheme

This is for people with long-term mobility difficulties, or severe sight impairment.

Those who receive a War Pension Mobility Supplement are automatically eligible for this.

Apply here. 

Vehicle discounts

ATS Euromaster offer discounts to those who join their Club 60 group.

The range of benefits include an MOT for just £27 and 15% off servicing.

Hotels 

Travelodge 

The hotel offer 25% off on stays for those over 60.

Princess Hotels & Resorts

The company offers discounts of up to 20% to senior citizens 

Marriot Bonvoy

The Marriot senior discount is offered to all guests 62 and over.

Radisson Hotels

The hotel typically gives 10% discount off their standard rates for senior citizens.

Hilton Hotels

Travellers aged 65 and older can save up to 7% on stays.

RH Hotels

If you are over 60, you will get a 5% discount and free water/wine at meals (subject to availability) at RH Hotels sites.

Food and restaurants

Green King Pubs

There are menus offered for senior citizens at reduced prices.

Patisserie Valerie

The chain offers 10% off for over 60s.

Dobbies garden centres

Those over 60 can enjoy a main course and any cake for only £11.95 (available Monday to Friday from 12noon until 3pm).

Discounts on days out

National Trust sites

With a National Trust senior membership card, you can get free entry to over 500 locations across the UK.

If you’re an existing member aged 60 or over, and you’ve been a member for at least the past three consecutive years, you can ask for 25% off your subscription, which means that you’ll pay £68.40 for individual senior membership.

More info here. 

English Heritage 

A senior membership card offers access to over 400 sites and gives you free parking at most of these places.

The monthly fee is £5.50 while if you pay for it annually it is £66.

Apply for an annual pass here. 

Royal Horticultural Society

People over 60 are entitled to a senior life membership card.

The card offers a number of benefits including, unlimited entry to RHS gardens, discounted tickets to RHS shows such as the Chelsea Flower Show and personal gardening advice.

More here. 

Royal Botanical Kew Gardens

There are concessions for senior citizens over the age of 65.

Theatre discounts

National Theatre

All over 60s can save on midweek matinees with £20 off £69 and £49 tickets for shows in the Lyttelton and Olivier theatres.

Royal Shakespeare Company

Over 65s are entitled to discounted tickets. A 20% discount is available on all seats for Monday and Tuesday evening performances and all midweek matinees. 

Birmingham Hippodrome

The theatre offers concessions to those over 65.

Savoy Theatre

Senior citizens (anyone over the age of 60) can claim discounts of up to 25% for select shows.

Theatre Royal Glasgow

Those over the age of 60 can get discounts on tickets.

Museums

Imperial War Museums

Those over 65 are entitled to discounts on tickets.

Tate Modern 

While entry to the museum is free, there are special exhibitions that are ticketed. Over 60s can enter these special exhibitions for a discount.

London Transport Museum 

Over 60s are offered concessions on annual passes.

Football season ticket discounts

A number of football clubs offer discounted tickets to senior football fans. These are just a few of them…

Arsenal

Offers senior season ticket holders a 57% discount.

Liverpool FC

Concessions for over 65s.

Sheffield United

Concessionary tickets to seniors aged 60 or over.

West Ham United

Football goers over the age of 66 have access to concessions.

Chelsea FC

Those 65 or over will be able to purchase a senior citizen ticket during the reservation period and reserve their seat for Home cup or Home UEFA competition matches at a reduced concession price.

Retail

Boots

There is an over 60s reward that allows you to gain eight points on every £1 you spend on Boots brands and selected exclusives.

Iceland

The chain offers 10% discount for over 60s every Tuesday if you have a get a bonus card. 

Odeon

Over 60s can join the Silver Cinema Club and enjoy special screenings during quieter times of the day.

Tickets start from £3.50 and the price includes tea, coffee and biscuits, served before the film.

Specsavers

If you’re over 60 and buy a single pair of glasses from the store’s £70 range or above, you’ll get 20% off. 

Other perks

Boundless

Retirees from the public sector or civil service can save up to 35% on flights, holidays, days out car hire and much more if they sign up for a Boundless membership card.

Ramblers Association

The walking charity offers concessionary individual or joint membership to those who receive only a state pension (no private pension). 

The membership entitles you to thousands of walking routes, access to guided group walks and savings on gear.

Golf

Some golf clubs offer membership discounts to older players.

You can find out if there is a golf club near you that offers a membership discount via Golf Support.

Vet bills

The Dogs Trust offers 50% off their membership for over 60s.

But it is also worth asking your local vets to see if there are any discounts for over 60s.

Handyperson services

Over 70 local Age UKs operate handyperson services which offer the elderly extra help with small practical jobs, including small repairs and home security. 

You can find out what is available in your area on the Foundations website. 

Better Leisure Centres

If you’re 66 the Better Health Senior Membership allows you to access the company’s range of gyms, swimming pools and fitness classes, all at a competitive price.

You can also get up to 30% off other activities and services.

Membership ranges from £10-£69 depending on the type of membership and the centre.

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