Financial Perks for the Over 60s in the UK

Not so long ago women could officially retire at age 60 and men at age 65 in the U.K.

Successive governments have however raised the age an okder citizen in the UK can receive a state pension and any associated perks.

Make sure you know what you are entitled to and claim it. Often when there is a change in social security those already in receipt are protected and the rest kef out in the cold.

If you are in doubt try researching potential benefits by searching online, reading leaflets available in local libraries and hospitals and or asking at your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

The following were a available at age 60 for women and 65 for men. Some still are though others are linked to your official pension age

• Free prescriptions. In England and most parts of the U.K prescriptions are not free. There are some exclusions and it is possible to purchase a discount if you take quite a few medications on a regular basis. The current cost of a three-month prepayment certificate is £29.10.On the whole the cost of a normal prescription is £8.80 per item. If your prescription has four items on it then you will pay £35.20. Each year the cost increases. Once you hit 60 and are in receipt of free prescriptions you could save a substantial amount of money.
• Discounts. Everything from the hairdressers to the huge D.I.Y. stores offer reductions for older citizens and pensioners. This is often applicable even if you are still working as in some cases it is all about your age. Some businesses have particular discount days. This may also help the business on quiet trading days. Many of these discounts are applicable once you are 60.
• Travel. Free bus travel varies a little around the country. Recently the free bus pass for older people has been made available in most if not all parts of the U.K. Your free bus pass will allow you to travel on buses for free after 9.30am any day between Monday to Friday, and all day at the weekends in some town, rural areas and cities. In my city there is not time restriction and we can enjoy our free bus anytime of the day and any day of the week. Coach travel is at half price for qualifying over 60s. You can travel more cheaply by train too also but you will need to purchase a Senior Railcard and these need renewing every year.
• Eyesight Tests. Eyesight tests are also free for the over 60s.
• English Heritage and The National Trust offer reductions for the over 60s.
• Sports Facilities. Swimming, Gyms and other sports facilities will usually offer a discount for the over 60s.
• Education. Fancy learning something new? Take advantage of the special rates for the over 60s.
• Entertainment. Most cinemas and theatres offer special ticket prices for the over 60s. These offers will vary regionally and may only be available for certain performances. In some cases the ticket may cost the same but include a free non-alcoholic drink
• State Pension. The State Pension age for women has been gradually increasing to bring it inline with men’s. However the age a man can retire has been increasing too. It is doubtful this has peaked yet. Future changes will depend on future governments and their politics.This is due to change though. For women born after 1950 the age is set to rise. For those born after 1955 the State Pension age was set to be 65 but there have been more changes. It is possible to defer receipt of your pension if desired and receive a one-off lump sum.

• Winter fuel Payments. If you and or your partner were aged over 60 you were eligible for this once a year payment but the qualifying age has increased.Even if you are still in work you can receive this help with your winter fuel bills.

Finally

There are many more financial perks.

It is always worth asking any provider such as Insurance Agent, Banker, Plumber or what you will if there is a discount for seniors.

You may be pleasantly surprised.

Some of the perks highlighted here are dependent on the government. There are further changes already planned.