Seven discounts that can save pensioners money | Tenant news

The state pension age may now be between 65 and 67 (depending on when you were born) but, if you’re over 60, there are many benefits, discounts, and perks on offer that can decrease your outgoings.

Some are offered by the government - such as pension top-ups, help to meet the cost of energy bills or free and discounted travel.

Others are available from private companies, covering everything from nights out at the cinema to discounts on sporting season tickets.

With the cost of living rising, there has never been a better time to check up on your discounts.

Eye tests, dental care, and prescriptions

In the UK, everyone over the age of 60 gets free prescriptions and NHS eye tests.

You can also get free NHS dental treatment if you’re over 60 and claim pension guarantee credits.

No TV license fee

You can get a free TV licence if you, or someone else in your home, is over 75 and claiming pension guarantee credits.

You can also get a free TV licence if you live in a care home. Please note that you only need a license if you watch TV, you don’t need one for radio.

If you’re registered as blind, you can get a 50% discount on your TV license regardless of your age.

Free public transport

If you’re above state pension age in England you can apply for a free bus pass.

What other groups qualify for a free bus pass?

• A person who is blind or partially sighted
• Anyone who is deaf or unable to speak
• Someone who can’t walk very far because of a disability, illness or injury
• An individual who doesn’t have arms or can’t use their arms

If you’re from London, you can also apply for a Freedom Pass. This allows you to travel for free on buses, tubes, trams and the Overground from age 60. If you’re not sure about eligibility, check with your local council.

Discounts on entertainment

Money off museum visits: most museums offer concessions for senior citizens – English Heritage and National Trust both offer reduced memberships, too.

Cheap cinema tickets: Empire has special senior screenings for over-60s every Wednesday morning (tickets are £3.75). Odeon holds weekly Silver Cinema screenings for over-60s on a Wednesday for £3.50 as a myODEON member.

Both also provide free refreshments.

Theatre: As well as discounted cinema tickets, older people can get cheap tickets for the theatre too.

Most theatres across the country offer concession tickets for over 60s which are much cheaper than a regular adult ticket.

Better yet, you can also get discounted London theatre breaks which include an overnight stay in London as well as a West End show. These can be found online on platforms such as Superbreaks.

Discounted sports tickets: older sports fans can get discounted match day and season tickets for football, cricket and rugby games. The cheaper tickets are usually for those aged 65+.

To find out more money saving tips visit our tenant news section: https://www.habinteg.org.uk/tenant-news

 Image credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto