Over 60s benefits

There are a variety of benefits and discounts available once you reach a certain age.

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

Not all are paid automatically though, so it's important to check you're not missing out.

Other perks are available from private companies, from cheap cinema tickets to discounts on sporting season tickets.

What pension and tax benefits can I claim?

State pension

The state pension is paid once you reach the age of 66, rising to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

In 2025-26, the full level of new state pension is £230.25 a week.

The amount you're entitled to will depend largely on the number of the number of National Insurance contributions you've made during your working life.

• Find out more: how much state pension will I get?

Pension credit

Pension credit tops up the state pension for people who are on a low income. Guarantee credit tops your weekly income up to £227.10 in 2025-26 if you're single and your joint weekly income to £346.60 if you're in a couple.

Savings credit, which only applies to those who qualified for the state pension before 6 April 2016, provides £17.30 for a single person and £19.36 for a couple per week.

You can apply for pension credit by calling the Pension Service on 0800 991234.

Reduced National Insurance

Once you've reached state pension age, you no longer pay National Insurance, even if you're still working.

National Insurance is charged at 8% if you're an employee and 6% if you're self-employed, on income between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above. 

Someone earning £30,000 a year would save £1,394.40 in the 2025-26 tax year. Use our income tax calculator to work out your bill.

National Insurance only applies to income from employment, so if you retire before state pension age and your only income is from pensions, you won't have to pay National Insurance.

• Find out more: National Insurance rates explained 

What other benefits can I claim?

Housing benefit

If you've reached state pension age and your savings are below £16,000, or you're on a low income or claiming certain benefits, you might be eligible for housing benefit.

This can help you pay some or all of your rent.

You can apply through your local council or as part of a pension credit claim. 

Winter fuel payment

As of 2024, the winter fuel payment is restricted to those receiving pension credit or other means-tested benefits. 

It's worth £200 for eligible households, or £300 for eligible households with someone aged over 80.

These payments (paid in November or December) are made automatically to those eligible - you should receive a confirmation letter in October or November. 

Cold weather payment

These are £25 payments for each seven-day period of very cold weather between November and March.

Payments are automatic if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below over seven consecutive days. 

You'll be eligible for it if you claim any other income-related benefits, such as:

• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Universal Credit

In Scotland, you may be eligible for a winter heating payment, worth £58.75 in 2024-25.

What travel discounts can I claim?

Free bus pass

The age at which you'll qualify for a free bus or travel pass varies across the UK.

In most parts of England, you qualify for a free bus pass – usually covering travel between 9.30am and 11pm – once you reach state pension age (currently 66).

Those living in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Merseyside and London can claim the travel concession at 60, with free rail, Tube and tram travel sometimes included. 

The 60+ London Oyster photocard permits free travel on buses, tube, trams, trains and London Overground after 9am on weekdays (or anytime on weekends).

Local authorities and devolved governments can provide discretionary concessions before 66 from their own funds.

Senior railcard

The Senior Railcard is available to travellers aged 60 or over.

It costs £35 a year (or £80 for three years) and gives you a third off standard and first class anytime, off-peak and advance fares.

Coach discounts

Some travel operators offer discounts for older people.

For example, National Express has a Senior Coachcard, which costs £15 (plus £3 postage and packing) for 12 months travel and offers a third off your travel. You need to be 60 to apply.

London Taxicard scheme

If you live in London, the London Taxicard scheme provides subsidised transport for people with serious mobility problems who find it difficult to use public transport. It's funded by the London boroughs and TfL and managed by London Councils on their behalf.

To apply for the scheme, you must fill in an application form for the London borough in which you live.

Visit the application page on the London Council's website. There is also information about the number of trips you're eligible for each year and the maximum fare you should pay.

What health and wellbeing benefits can I claim?

Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment

You can get up to £187.45 a week (£110.40 for the care component and £77.05 for the mobility component) to help with the extra costs caused by a disability either under the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) which has now replaced it.

Existing claimants are being moved from DLA to PIP.

If you're 65 or over and don't get DLA or PIP, you'll need to apply for Attendance Allowance instead.

Benefits for carers

If you spend more than a certain amount of hours per week caring for a relative or friend, you could be entitled to government benefits.

• Find out more: benefits and allowances for older people

Free prescriptions and eye tests for over-60s

Once you reach 60, you can get free prescriptions and NHS sight tests in England. Prescriptions are free for everyone elsewhere in the UK (as are eye tests in Scotland).

You'll also be entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you're receiving pension guarantee credit.

Specsavers offers free eye tests to over-60s, and 20% off glasses and lenses from its £70 range or above, including designer options.

Boots Opticians offer people aged 60 or over who have an Advantage Card and are part of the Over 60s Rewards scheme 10% off glasses or prescription sunglasses.

• Find out more: best opticians stores

How can I save money on entertainment?

Museum concessions

Most museums offer concessions for senior citizens, while English Heritage and National Trust both offer reduced memberships.

Cheap cinema tickets

Odeon holds weekly Silver Cinema screenings for over-55s from £3.50 online or £4.50 at the cinema as a myODEON member. Picturehouse cinema also offer discounted tickets for pensioners, but different prices apply depending where your local cinema is. 

Discounted sports tickets

Older sports fans - typically those aged 65 and over - can get discounted matchday and season tickets for football, cricket and rugby games.