List of freebies and discounts over 60s can claim even if you're not retired yet - including free bus pass and train discounts

Full list of nine freebies and discounts anyone over the age of 60 can benefit from - regardless of if you're retired yet

Many discounts and freebies are available to over-60s, whether you are retired or not, according to experts. There are as many as nine discounts, freebies and handouts that anyone over 60 can claim - even if they're still working and haven't yet retired or drawn a pension.

According to Money Magpie expert Vicky Parry, there are nine discounts you can claim. These include discounts on the cost of booking, as well as getting direct freebies based only on your age - but none of them require drawing a pension, the Express reports.

Other deals include coach discounts, reduced prices at restaurants and reduced prices at opticians. Below is the full list of deals according to Vicky Parry.

Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE

Free Bus Pass

The free bus pass scheme has slightly different rules for each Local Authority area of the UK and can vary from council to council as well as between constituent nations of the UK. Those in Scotland, Wales and Ireland can apply for one when they turn 60 - in most areas of England you need to be the state pension age to apply.

Two exceptions to this rule are if you live in London or Merseyside, where you can apply for a free bus pass when you’re 60.

The pass previously provided free travel at any time but now it is available for off-peak travel - between 9am and 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends - only in most areas.

It's generally recommended that you check your local authority website before travelling (if you have a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass, you can still travel any time). Off-peak travel is any time between 9am and 11pm Monday to Friday and all day at weekends.

Coach discounts

Over 60s in England and Wales can get a third off all National Express coach fares by buying a Senior Coachcard. The card costs £15 plus £3 P&P.

It also allows you access to extra discounts, such as £15 anywhere returns on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays if you book three or more days in advance. You can also get 15% off the price of an adult Fully Flexible fare.

Train Discounts

People over the age of 60 are eligible for a Senior Railcard - which offers savings on a wide range of tickets, including many First Class, Standard, Advance tickets and off-peak bookings.

A Senior Railcard costs £30 per year, or £70 for three years. It does not apply to journeys made during morning peak-time tickets in London and the South East/Network Rail area.

You should always check with the service provider about Railcard restrictions before booking your tickets, as exemptions can and do change from route to route and at different times.

You can buy a Senior Railcard online, at any staffed National Rail ticket office, or call 0345 3000 250.

Tube Travel Oyster card

Those who are over 60 and live in London can get a 60+ London Oyster Photocard which allows you to travel free on TfL services from 9am weekdays and anytime at the weekend and on bank holidays.

This can help you save money if you live in London, however won't help if you don't live in the capital.

Food

If you are over 60, lots of restaurants and cafes offer an early dinner discount for over 60s. Dobbies Garden Centres offer over 60s a main meal and a cake for only £11.95, Monday to Friday, from 12pm until 3pm.

Every Tuesday, all those who are 60 years old and older can also get 10% off their shop, with no minimum spend, at Iceland and The Food Warehouse.

Theatre and cinema discounts

Most local cinemas and theatres will give concessionary rates for over 60s, such as ‘silver screen’ matinee showings - for example, the ODEON Silver Screen tickets cost just £3.50 and includes free tea, coffee and biscuits before the film. You should look for these discounts directly with the theatres or cinemas.

The National Theatre offers £20 off midweek matinees for the over 60s and The Royal Shakespeare Company has a 20% discount available for the over 65s on all seats for Monday and Tuesday evening performances and all midweek matinees.

Specsavers and Boots

If you’re over 60 and buy a pair of glasses from Specsavers for £70 or more, you’ll get 20% off. The deal includes frames, lenses and any Extra Options such as treatments to protect your lenses or offer sun protection.

Meanwhile, Boots the chemist has an over 60s rewards programme which will give double Advantage Card points. They also have events like prize draws, and you'll receive extra points at Boots Hearingcare.