Senior citizens in the UK can get brilliant discounts on a range of services, goods and leisure activities – from keeping energy bills low to saving a few pounds on dining out, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy retirement without breaking the bank.
While it can be hard to keep on top of all the opportunities and special offers, especially if you don’t use the discount regularly, we’ve put together the following list to introduce you to some of the best money saving discounts for senior citizens:
Travel discounts
Rail
If you’re over 60, you can get a Senior Railcard which costs £30 for a year and gives holders a third off any standard or first-class ticket. You can also buy a 3-year card which only costs £70, saving you even more. The Railcard also gives holders access to special discounts for theatre tickets, hotels and exhibitions across the UK.
You can buy your Railcard online here, all you need is a valid passport or driving licence.
Bus Travel
Senior citizens living in England can get a bus pass for free travel when they reach the female State Pension age, whether you’re a man or a woman. People in Wales, Norther Ireland and Scotland can get a bus pass when they reach 60.
Apply for you free bus pass here.
The London Freedom Pass
The London Freedom Pass offers discounted and often free travel for over 60s on any form of travel type in London including on buses and the underground. You can buy the pass here.
Passports
British nationals born on or before September 2, 1929 can get or renew their passport for free.
Leisure discounts
National Trust
People over 60 can get a discounted National Trust senior membership which provides free access and parking to over 500 of the UK’s most stunning parks, country estates and coastal areas. Individuals paying are currently paying (2017) £48.60, compared to £64.80 for standard adults, with Joint members paying £80.40, compared to £108.
Senior membership for National Trust Scotland costs £38.00 for individuals, a saving of £12.00, and £63.00 for a joint membership with only one of the members needing to be over 60 to qualify.
English Heritage
English Heritage senior membership, which costs £46 for single membership or £70 for joint members, gives over 60s free access to the UK’s top historic places including palaces, houses, hill figures, castles, abbeys, industrial sites, Roman forts and even deserted medieval villages.
Dining
If you’re over 50, the exclusive Diamond Club card is a great way to save on dining out. The free card gives you and an over-50 guest a great range of discounts and deals at over 100 pubs and eateries across the UK, Monday-Saturday (excluding bank holidays).
The Diamond Club card allows users to earn points every time they use it and receive further benefits including free birthday drinks and vouchers.
Home discounts
Energy
If you were born on or before 5 August 1953 You could get a Winter Fuel Payment usually worth between £100 and £300 tax-free to help pay your heating bills. Find out more and claim here.
You may also be eligible for a discount with the Warm Home Discount Scheme, but it depends on several factors including any benefits and pensions being claimed and whether your energy supplier is part of the scheme. Discounts are usually applied automatically on your energy bill, however if you think you’re eligible and haven’t received the money off, look at the Government website for more details. You can also call 03459 151515.
If you are receiving pension credit, you should also get cold weather payments automatically which are worth £25 for each 7-day period of cold weather between November 1 and March 31. More information is available here.
TV licence
If you are over 75, you should get your TV licence for free. The licence covers your main home irrelevant of who lives there but if you have a second home you’ll need to buy a separate licence for that property. You can also get a 50% reduction if you’re blind or have a severe visual impairment.
