Graham Walker at Lovewell Blake discusses Retirement

Graham Walker at Lovewell Blake recently celebrated his 60th birthday which started him thinking about what the benefits of this milestone might be. Here are a few of his findings:

If you were born before 6 April 1950, you qualify for a bus pass at age 60. This entitles you to travel for free on all off-peak services (between 9.30am and 11pm in Norfolk) during the week and at all times on weekends and Bank Holidays. Though there are differences in different counties, so please check before application.

A Senior Rail Card gives you a third off train travel, at an annual cost of £30. Good discounts are also available from National Express with this card.

Both English Heritage and The National Trust offer discounts on membership for the over 60s. Additionally, many museums will offer discounts so it’s well worth asking, or looking at their website.

When it comes to eating out and entertainment, The Diamond Club card is worth considering as it offers discounts for the over 50’s in more than 100 different Public Houses and Carveries. Hungry Horse and Greene King Public Houses also offer discounts.

Vue, Odeon, and Picture House all offer discounts on certain screenings and The National Theatre offers discounted tickets for certain performances, and so does Norwich’s Theatre Royal.

Some of the other benefits that may now be accessible to you after the age of 60:
• If you have a retirement income of less than £16,000 per annum you may be eligible for assistance with your council tax bill
• Winter Fuel payments are available if you were born before 5 May 1953
• Cold Weather payments are available if you claim any other income-related benefits
• Free prescriptions and eye tests are available, as is free NHS dental treatment if you are receiving pension guarantee credit

Lovewell Blake are hosting an event on Tuesday 3 October, at Ravenwood Hall Hotel in Bury St Edmunds – Your Retirement Experience – a look at all aspects of retirement, helping you to get the most out of this exciting time.