Money Saving Discounts for Over 60s

If you have just reached your 60th birthday you may experience some slight disappointment with regard to receiving your over 60s bus pass, giving free local travel This is because changes in legislation may mean that you will have to wait another year or so - you can check your eligibility on the Government website.

You do however, if you live in England qualify for free prescriptions and free NHS sight tests on reaching 60.(Prescriptions are free to all in the rest of the UK.)

However, there are many more discounts and freebies available which you need to look out for. Companies, realising that the over 60s make up a fifth of the population, are eager to target this age group with discounts and over 60s loyalty cards.

One example is the Government's offering of annual winter fuel payments which stands at £300 this winter, but here are a few more that might interest you, especially if you are retired or approaching retirement with more time to enjoy leisure activities such as travel, DIY and gardening:

Senior Railcard - This is available to over 60s at a cost of £26. It allows you to have one third on all standard and first class rail tickets.

Freedom Pass - available to all over 60s who live in London. This gives free travel over the city on buses, tubes, trains and trams. However, changes in legislation mean that you might not qualify until a later date - you can check eligibility on the Freedom Pass website.

Coach travel - Over 60s qualify for "Route 60 fares" in England and Wales which gives half price travel on National Express Services.

B&Q - free B&Q Diamond Card for over 60s, which let you have 10 per cent off purchases on Wednesdays. Just print off an application form or ask instore and hand in with proof of age.

Focus DIY - free Focus privilege card for over 55s. This enables you to have 10 per cent off any day but watch out for some exclusions. Take proof of age to apply for one instore.

The Garden Centre Group has a gardening club - as well as the free membership and vouchers back on what you have spent, over 60s get double points on Tuesdays.

Boots - offer 10 per cent off Boots brand products if you join its free health club. It's easy to apply - just take proof of age along with your Boots card and hand instore.

Entertainment - look out for discounts at theatres and cinemas.

English Heritage and The National Trust - over 60s are eligible for discounts on both annual and life membership.

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