Just turned 60 - what’s on offer?!

Greater Manchester don’t offer free bus passes at 60, it’s pension age. My friend has just got hers at the age of 66. I’m in Lancashire and get mine at 67 (four years to go!) and if I should want to go over the border into Manchester it’s full price on the other side.

Sorry brahumbug I misunderstood your post. I will receive maximum state pension as I have worked and paid N.I since I was sixteen. I have had the occasional letter over the years to confirm I am on track too

sodapop That’s why I asked really as it seems that apart from prescriptions, things like bus passes (at least in my area) have raised the age you can claim to state pension age. And it does make sense really.

coolcoco I believe I will still pay N.I until I am 67

From April 1st I will only be working part time, but this will still entitle me to my blue light card, for which I am really grateful. It’s given me some great discounts (when I remember to use it!)

Thanks for the other suggestions everyone

I thought as pensionable age has changed now that other things would keep pace.
Like bus passes, free entries etc.

Plus if you are working you don’t pay national insurance.

Yes you get free travel from 60 in London, it’s a different card, same benefits as Freedom pass though,

That’s what I understood when I posted upthread about concessionary travel.

AFAIK, local concessionary passes given to people under pension age have to carry the red rose of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) to be valid on bus services across England.

Now that I have checked the criteris for the London Freedom pass (which does carry the rose logo) I see that eligibility has now been brought in line with pension age. Moneyhelper says:

If you were aged 60 or over on the 6th of April 2010 then you automatically qualify for a Freedom Pass. However, as the pension age has moved to 66, the eligibility age for a Freedom Pass has increased to be in line with that.

People who live in a London Borough can still get a 60+ Oyster Card for travel within London.

Gtr Manchester bus pass is pension age not 60.

Flaxseed

Brahumbug I have looked into both my state and work pension over the last year. I definitely can’t take my state pension until 67.
I will take part of my work pension from April 1st which will enable me to go part time
I have a smaller part of my work pension that I can’t take take until I am 67.

sodapop I don’t expect there to be anything, but like most people, I like a bargain or being able to make a saving. .

Thanks to all who made suggestions

I didn't mean you might be able to take your pension before 67, just check that you are up to date with national insurance and whether you need to contribute any more years to achieve the maximum pension.😁

Brahumbug I have looked into both my state and work pension over the last year. I definitely can’t take my state pension until 67.
I will take part of my work pension from April 1st which will enable me to go part time
I have a smaller part of my work pension that I can’t take take until I am 67.

sodapop I don’t expect there to be anything, but like most people, I like a bargain or being able to make a saving. .

Thanks to all who made suggestions

Have you checked your entitlement to your state pension? I know you have 7 years to go, but no harm in seeing what your current position is.

When I turned 60, 15 years ago, I went by bus to Orkney for the weekend. Apart from the ferry, (concession ticket), the journey cost nothing.
Here in Scotland there is free bus travel for over 60s and now for under 22s. I have enjoyed several more long distance trips but it's the everyday freedom it affords now that night driving is restricted by poorer sight that I value verymuch.

I have a senior rail pass too.
I attend Council run classes in all kinds of subjects. I am currently learning Gaelic.

I joined U3A too and am grateful for all that it offers to over 55s.

Prescriptions are free.

This is not me I am happy to be grey but a friend had her hair coloured on a seniors discount day and came out bright orange

Most hairdressers do discounted days for Seniors.

silverlining48

If you use a hearing aid there is a reduction in the pensioner rail pass.

Pardon?!?

And if you’re travelling, there are often big discounts to be had at museums and galleries. We spent an afternoon at the Solidarity museum in Gdańsk for about 20p each, after the receptionist tactfully asked if we could possibly be over 59.

Of course there are always the “pensioners’ specials”, or at least there are round my way. Usually at fish and chip restaurants or for afternoon tea, and usually available for anyone over 60.

Why do you think anything should be 'on offer' Flaxseed ?

Yes. It closed to new applicants in September 2018:

www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2018/08/bq-to-close-over-60s-discount-scheme-to-new-applicants---and-reduce-the-products-it-covers/

LOUISA1523

Do b and q still do 10% off on Wednesdays for overv60s?

Only if you already have a Diamond discount card. It's no longer open to new applications.

Do b and q still do 10% off on Wednesdays for overv60s?

Oh interesting elusivebutterfly Thanks

If you shop in Tesco, you can use your Clubcard points to buy a senior railcard for £10 instead of £30. The same applies for other railcards for younger people.

In Merseyside men and women aged 60 get a free bus pass,which can be used on local trains so I can go to Chester for free and free on the ferry. Pass starts at 9.30am and I think until midnight but never on buses or trains at night. Have got a senior Railcard card get a third off my travel. Free prescriptions,Boots over 60 get extra points .

If you use a hearing aid there is a reduction in the pensioner rail pass.

That sounds great annsixty, I am half a mile from outer London so just get the bus pass. Would love to be able to use the trains and happily pay a tenner.