Discounts and benefits for over 50s

In later life, most age-based discounts begin from age 60. However, there are some notable discounts for over 50s.

Firstly, some UK rail companies offer discounted tickets for people in their 50s:

• Greater Anglia Club 50 offers a 20% saving for selected Off Peak and Advance fares for people aged 50-plus
  
  
• ScotRail Club 50 offers flat fares and discounts as well as savings on food and drink
  
  
• Various train operators offer discounts and promotions for people over 55, including Northern’s Explorer 55.
  
  

Aside from travel, many other discounts kick-in from the age of 55. For example, some online retailers offer special offers for the over 55s for items like books, kitchenware and gifts. Also, you could research whether your local authority provides discounts for people over 55 on services like leisure centre memberships. 

While the perks for over 50s are somewhat limited, it’s a different story from age 60. Here are just some of the benefits you can claim when you turn 60.

Energy

• The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment for pensioners to help with heating costs. For 2024-25, you would need to have been born on or before September 22nd 1958 in order to be eligible. However, from winter 2024-25, households in England and Wales will only be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment if they receive Pension Credit or claim certain means-tested benefits. For more information and to check your eligibility visit GOV.UK.
  
  
• You may be able to apply for the Warm Home Discount – a one-off £150 payment towards electricity bills. To be eligible, you must claim the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit, which means you would need to have reached state pension age and have a weekly income of less than £218.15 (for single people) and £332.95 (for couples). You can find out more about Pension Credit on GOV.UK.
  
  
• You may be able to get a free gas safety check from the age of 60 depending on where you live.

Travel

• From the age of 60 you can apply for a Senior Railcard, which entitles you to a third off most train fares in the UK.
  
  
• You can apply for an older person’s bus pass when you reach state pension age in England, or the age of 60 if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
  
  
• National Express offer a Senior Coachcard which gives you a third off selected coach trips across the UK.
  
  
• If you live in a London borough, you can apply for a 60+ London Oyster photocard and enjoy free travel across the capital’s transport system. Londoners who reach state pension age can apply for a Freedom Pass – a separate card which entitles you to travel on buses across England. 

Culture

• Cinema chains like Odeon and Picturehouse offer discounted tickets and membership for people over 60.
  
  
• Many theatres offer discounted tickets for over 60s, including the National Theatre and the Young Vic. The Royal Shakespeare Company offers discounts for people aged 65+ for selected performances.
  
  
• Cultural institutions like the National Trust offer a 25% discount for over 60s, while the Royal Horticultural Society offers a senior life membership, with free access to many RHS gardens.
  
  
• Additionally, many museums across the UK offer discounts for seniors over 60, including the Jorvik Viking Centre in York, while the National Football Museum in Manchester offers concessions for over 65s.

Eating and drinking

• Greene King pubs offer a ‘seniors menu’ with discounted meals for people over 60.
  
  
• Tastecard is a savings card for diners – not just for over 50s but people aged 16 and above.
  
  
• In recent years, Asda Cafes have hosted ‘winter warmer’ special offers where customers aged 60-plus can purchase meals for just £1 in the colder months.
  
  
• Iceland offers 10% discounts for people over 60 if they shop on Tuesdays with a Bonus card.  

Fitness and health

• From age 60, you’re entitled to free prescriptions on the NHS, as well as free eye tests, and in Wales, free dental examinations.
  
  
• A feature of the Boots Advantage Card is the Over 60s Rewards, which gives people over 60 the chance to earn loyalty points and access certain benefits and offers.
  
  
• Specsavers offer 20% discounts for people over 60 on selected glasses.
  
  
• Many gyms offer reduced membership fees, including the Better Health Senior Membership for people aged 66 and above, while Total Fitness offers discounts from the age of 65.

Sport

• Many football clubs offer discounts for senior citizen supporters, including Premier League teams like Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea.
  
  
• Some golf clubs offer discounts to senior members.
  
  
• Discounts for over 65s are available for spectators watching cricket at Lord’s, while over 60s can go on a tour of Lord’s at a reduced price.