Senior concessions - Make the most of UK Government concessions

Don't pay more on daily living than you need to. The government and various companies have a number of senior concessions and benefits available to older people living in the UK. Read through the senior concessions below to see what you may be entitled to and how much you can save.

Freedom Pass

If you're a permanent resident in a London borough aged over 60, you can apply for a Freedom Pass for travelling around London. The Freedom Pass entitles you to free travel on London's public transport- Tube, buses, trains, Docklands Light Rail (DLR) and trams. Using your Freedom Pass to travel free is easy and straightforward but it can only be used at certain times:

Free travel on the Tube, DLR and Tramlink services from 09:00 week days and at any time on weekends and public holidays

Bus services operated by Transport for London (TfL) provide free travel from 09:00 week days and any time on weekends and public holidays within Greater London.

National Rail services are generally available from 09:30 week days (09:00 on some routes) and any time on weekends and public holidays.

Thames Riverboat services provide discounts for all Freedom Pass holders

For more information on Freedom Pass click here

Download Freedom Pass application click here

Senior Railcard

You can save 1/3 on most Standard and First class rail fares throughout Britain with a Senior Railcard if you're over 60. Senior Railcard can be used for both long and short trips and is accepted anytime during the week, weekends and public holidays.

Senior Railcard is £20 and in just a few short trips you will have covered the cost of the card.

For more information click here

Download Senior Railcard application form click here

Free local bus travel

From 1 April 2008 people over the age of 60 will be entitled to free off-peak local bus travel throughout England. Off- peak travel is available from 09:30 week days and weekends.

To apply for free local bus travel speak to your local council click here

For more information on concessionary fares click here

Here are a few handy websites that will help with planning your day out

AA Route Planner | Enjoy England | London Tube Map | UK weather

Free passport

If you're a British national and your over 78 years of age you're entitled to a free standard 32-page ten-year passport.

The application for a free passport can be completed online and once you have completed and submitted the online form, it will be returned to you to sign and date. You will then need to enclose the right photos and documents, before returning it to the Identity and Passport Service for processing.

Apply for your free passport click here

For more information on free passports for people over 77 click here

If you require advice over the telephone ring the Passport Adviceline 0870 521 0410, 24 hours a day.

Free TV licence

Take advantage of a free TV licence if your 74 plus, or your living in a household where one of the occupants is over 74.

For more information on a free TV licence click here or call 0870 241 6468.

More information and concessions for the over 50's

The UK Government run website DirectGov provides a wealth of information for people 50 plus. Just a few of the topics you can read more about include:

Planning for retirement and UK State pension information

Working in retirement

Advice on senior living and care

Additional senior concessions and benefits available in the UK

Senior citizens help with driving and mobility

For more information click here

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