Free and Discounted Health Costs
NHS prescriptions and optical tests
Upon reaching 60, several important healthcare benefits become available to you, though they differ slightly by location in the UK.
- Free NHS Prescriptions (England only): Anyone aged 60 and over is automatically entitled to free NHS prescriptions in England. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for all ages.
- Free NHS Eye Tests (UK-wide): Regardless of where you live in the UK, you are eligible for a free NHS sight test once you turn 60. Many opticians, such as Specsavers, also offer extra discounts on glasses and lenses for over-60s.
- Dental Care: Free NHS dental treatment is not automatically granted at 60. However, in Wales, those aged 60 and over are entitled to free NHS dental examinations. In England, you may qualify if you are receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits. All Scottish residents are entitled to free dental examinations.
Travel Concessions
Free travel rules for over-60s vary significantly depending on which part of the UK you live in, with eligibility tied to either age or the State Pension Age (SPA).
Bus travel eligibility across the UK
| Location | Eligibility Age | Details |
|---|---|---|
| England (outside London) | State Pension Age (currently 66, rising to 67) | Free off-peak travel on local buses once you reach the State Pension Age. |
| London | 60+ (via 60+ London Oyster card) | Free travel on London's bus, Tube, and other services. Eligibility for the Freedom Pass (also free travel) is at State Pension Age. |
| Scotland | 60+ (via National Entitlement Card) | Free travel on all local and long-distance bus services across Scotland. |
| Wales | 60+ (via Concessionary Travel Card) | Free travel on most bus services and some rail services in Wales. |
| Northern Ireland | 60+ | Free travel on buses. |
Other travel discounts
- Senior Railcard: Available to anyone aged 60 or over, this card costs £35 for a year and gives you one-third off most off-peak train travel. It is not free, but offers significant savings for regular rail users. The railcard is not valid during the morning peak period.
- National Express Senior Coachcard: For £15 a year, over-60s can get a third off standard and fully flexible coach fares.
Financial Support and Discounts
Beyond healthcare, other valuable forms of financial support and leisure discounts become accessible.
Help with energy bills
- Winter Fuel Payment: An annual, tax-free payment paid automatically to eligible households with someone over State Pension age to help with heating costs. Payments will be reclaimed from those with an income over £35,000 from winter 2025/26.
- Warm Home Discount: A one-off discount of £150 on your electricity bill for low-income households. Eligibility is means-tested, and includes those on Pension Credit.
- Cold Weather Payment: A £25 payment for each seven-day period of very cold weather for people on certain benefits, not solely based on age.
Other benefits
- Pension Credit: For those over State Pension age and on a low income, Pension Credit can top up your weekly income and act as a gateway to other benefits like the Warm Home Discount.
- Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction: You may be eligible for reductions if you are on a low income and have reached State Pension age.
- National Insurance Exemption: If you are still working past State Pension age, you no longer have to pay National Insurance on your earnings.
Leisure and Retail Perks
Explore discounts for life's pleasures
- Cinema Discounts: Chains like Odeon and Picturehouse offer special screenings and reduced-price tickets for older customers.
- Museums and Galleries: Many attractions offer concessionary prices for senior citizens. It's always worth asking before you buy a ticket.
- Heritage Memberships: After holding a National Trust membership for three consecutive years, over-60s can receive a 25% discount. English Heritage also offers a senior membership for over-65s at a reduced price.
- Retail and Loyalty Schemes: Some retailers, such as Iceland (10% off on Tuesdays) and Boots (extra Advantage Card points), provide specific discounts or rewards for over-60s.
The importance of claiming
While some entitlements are automatic, many benefits require you to apply. It is crucial to check your eligibility and claim what you are entitled to, as millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed each year. The official government website and charities like Age UK are excellent resources for navigating the application process.
For a full breakdown of all potential benefits you could be entitled to, and to check your eligibility, visit the Age UK Benefits Calculator.
Conclusion
Turning 60 marks a milestone that comes with a range of free and discounted benefits in the UK. While some benefits are universal, such as free NHS eye tests, key entitlements like free bus travel vary by location, often aligning with the State Pension Age in parts of England. Free NHS prescriptions are available in England at 60, and a host of discounts on travel, leisure, and retail add further value. By proactively checking your eligibility with authoritative sources like Age UK and the government website, you can ensure you are taking full advantage of the support available to you.
