7 of the most overlooked ways pensioners and over 60s can cut their weekly bills and unlock essential savings
These tips could uncover hidden help and ease the squeeze if you’re struggling with costs 🧾
- Many over-60s are unaware of support that could ease weekly financial pressure
- Forgotten schemes and habits can add up to big annual savings
- A few simple checks may reveal hidden entitlements
- Small changes can make a noticeable difference to everyday costs
- This guide highlights often-missed ways to reduce outgoings later in life
With the cost of living still biting hard, older people across the UK are increasingly looking for ways to cut costs and ease the pressure on their weekly outgoings.
The good news? There are plenty of schemes, discounts, and overlooked habits that can help reduce bills - especially if you're aged 60 or over.
From hidden benefits to everyday tips, here’s a guide to some of the things often forgotten about that could make a real difference to your finances.
A single change might save you just £5 a week, but stack a few together and you could end up with hundreds of pounds extra each year.
Pension Credit
One of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK is Pension Credit. Around 850,000 eligible households miss out on it each year.
If you're over State Pension age and on a low income, this top-up can boost your weekly income and unlock additional help, such as:
- A free TV licence (if you're 75 or over)
- Council Tax reductions
- Help with NHS costs
- Warm Home Discount
- Housing Benefit (if renting)
It’s worth checking even if you own your home or have savings—eligibility is more flexible than many people realise. You can check and apply via the GOV.UK website or by calling the Pension Credit claim line (0800 99 1234).
Council Tax reduction
Many over-60s pay too much Council Tax without realising they may be entitled to a discount. You could be eligible for a reduction if:
- You live alone (Single Person Discount)
- You’re on a low income or receive benefits
- You or someone you live with has a disability
- You care for someone in the household
- You live with someone who is severely mentally impaired (and they may be 'disregarded' for Council Tax purposes)
Each council has its own scheme, so check with your local authority - even small reductions can save you hundreds over the course of a year.
Senior Railcard and bus pass
Transport is a weekly cost that adds up quickly. If you’re 60 or over, don’t forget:
- Senior Railcard: Costs £30 a year and gets you 1/3 off most rail fares. Over time, it can pay for itself many times over.
- Free bus pass: Available to those over 60 in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and to people of State Pension age in England. It’s valid for local bus travel, and in some areas, it can also be used on trams or trains.
It’s not just about leisure trips - using your bus pass for errands or appointments can chip away at weekly fuel or fare costs.
Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payments
Older people often worry about the cost of keeping warm in winter. Two key supports can help:
- Winter Fuel Payment: Available to most people born before 25 September 1957 (for winter 2024/25). It’s automatic if you claim certain benefits like Pension Credit (see above)
- Warm Home Discount: A one-off discount on your electricity bill (around £150) between October and March. You’ll usually qualify automatically if you get Pension Credit, but some suppliers have broader criteria - so check with yours.
Also check if your energy supplier offers a priority services register - this may give you extra support, including advance notice of power cuts or meter readings if you have mobility issues.
Switch to social tariffs for broadband and mobile
If you're receiving Pension Credit or certain other benefits, you could qualify for a social tariff for broadband and phone services. These offer fast internet and mobile plans at heavily discounted prices - some from as little as £10–£20 per month.
Major providers like BT, Virgin Media, and Sky now offer these deals, but they rarely advertise them, so you’ll need to ask. Even if you're not on benefits, it's worth calling your provider and asking for a cheaper deal or matching a competitor's rate.
Water bill help and free home upgrades
Water companies across the UK offer discounts for low-income households and those with medical conditions that require more water use. This includes:
- WaterSure: A cap on bills if you use a water meter and have high essential usage
- Social tariffs: Localised schemes offering reduced bills - check with your supplier
Plus, some older homeowners can access free home energy upgrades like insulation, new boilers, or draft-proofing through local authority schemes or the Great British Insulation Scheme.
Use of discount cards and store loyalty schemes
If you regularly shop in-store, don’t overlook the discounts available to older people:
- Boots Over-60s Rewards: Extra Advantage Card points on health products
- Specsavers Over-60s Discount: 20% off glasses (in most locations)
- Supermarket loyalty apps (like Tesco Clubcard, Nectar, or My Morrisons): These often have exclusive lower prices for users
You can also sign up to apps like Too Good To Go, which offers discounted food that would otherwise be thrown out. It’s an easy way to save money while helping reduce waste.
Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at yourworld.net/submit. It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.