Other Entitlements

Veteran's Issues

In this case, 'veteran' applies to anyone who has served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces - whether during war or peacetime, as volunteers, Reservists or National Servicemen. The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) provide information and advice on any issues of concern to veterans and their families through its free helpline.

There are also many long-standing ex-service charities that provide help for veterans, and the SPVA can send enquiries on to the right organization. Contact them on their free helpline: 0800 169 22 77 (8.15am - 5.15pm Monday to Thursday, 8.15am - 4.30pm on Friday)

Traveling

Older people are entitled to free bus travel throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Visit this page to find out exactly when you are eligible. This is the page for England, but from it you can get to the pages for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
www.direct.gov.uk/BusAndCoachTravel/

In order to find out exactly which schemes are available in your area you should contact your local council. To find the contact details for your local council or for more information, see the Directgov page here:
www.direct.gov.uk/directories/localcouncils/

Many travel operators provide their own travel concessions for older people, for example, the Senior Railcard. This can be purchased at main railway stations and is available to over 60s at approximately £20. The Railcard entitles you to a third off of most railway fares anywhere within Great Britain.

A more detailed factsheet on travel can be found here, by Age UK:
www.ageuk.org.uk/Documents

Free TV License

If you are aged 75 or over, then you are entitled to a free television license. For more information, call the TV Licensing information helpline on 0845 603 6999 (8.00am - 2.00pm, Monday to Friday and 8.30am - 2.00pm on Saturday)

Alternatively, visit the TV Licensing Website here:
www.tvlicensing.co.uk

Passports

If you are a British Citizen born on or before 2 September 1929, you are entitled to a free passport. If you are eligible you simply apply via the normal route for passports. A form for your passport application can be picked up from your local post office.

Leisure

Concessions on adult education classes and the use of leisure facilities are generally available but vary from 25% to 100%, depending on your local provider. Some councils have 'Leisure passports' which entitle you to a whole range of discounts.

To find the contact details for your local council or for more information, see the Directgov page here:
www.direct.gov.uk/directories/localcouncils/

Museums

Museums and galleries usually have free entry and places like theatres and cinemas often have reduced admission rates for people over 60 (especially for matinee shows).

Libraries

Libraries are free to register with and provide free internet access.