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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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