At age 65, you are eligible for significant freebies, including Medicare Part A, specialized preventative health screenings, and "SilverSneakers" gym memberships through many insurance plans. Additionally, you can access free or reduced-cost services like public transportation, tax assistance, educational courses, and various retail/restaurant discounts.
Many of these programs offer free or reduced-cost options, such as:
If you are approaching your 60s or have already entered that age bracket, free travel passes and medical care are just a few things you can enjoy. Getting older has many benefits, and receiving services for free is just one of them.
Federal programs
No, Amazon Prime is not automatically free for seniors, but many older adults can get it at a significant discount through Prime Access, which costs $6.99/month (half price) for those receiving government assistance like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI, rather than just being a senior. Seniors who don't qualify for assistance can get a standard Prime membership at the regular price or sign up for a free trial, but there isn't a special "senior" discount based solely on age.
Other Age Pension benefits
Pension supplement - A regular extra payment to help with utility, phone, internet and medicine costs. Rent assistance – A regular extra amount to help you cover the cost of your accommodation costs. Utilities allowance - A quarterly payment to help with household bills .
Your pension may not be the only income you have to live on when you start getting your State Pension. You may be entitled to other benefits and payments once you leave work and this can include help with heating costs, medication, or even housing.
If you have coverage through a Marketplace plan, you should sign up for Medicare when you turn 65 and notify your Marketplace plan that you now qualify for Medicare coverage.
To apply online, you will be asked to provide the following information:
Medicare is a medical insurance program sponsored by the federal government. On your 65th birthday, you will become eligible to receive benefits, regardless of your income or health status.
Seniors can get free groceries through government programs like SNAP (Food Stamps) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provide monthly food or funds; local food banks and pantries offering free boxes or shopping experiences; Meals on Wheels for home-delivered meals; and the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) for fresh produce vouchers, with many resources found via Feeding America or the National Council on Aging's BenefitsCheckUp tool.
Yes, individuals 65 and older get an additional standard deduction, and for tax years 2025-2028, there's a new, separate $6,000 senior deduction (plus an increase in the existing extra standard deduction for 2026), both available regardless of whether you itemize or take the standard deduction, depending on income. These deductions reduce your taxable income and are claimed on your federal tax return.
Guide to benefits, discounts and freebies available to pensioners
Most people sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) when they're first eligible, typically at age 65. It's important to sign up promptly to avoid gaps in coverage or late enrollment penalties.
If you have reached State Pension age, you might be entitled to Pension Credit which is extra money to help with your living costs if you are on a low income. You can receive Pension Credit as a top-up to your State Pension. You can receive Pension Credit even if you are still working.
Medicare is our country's health insurance program for people age 65 or older. You may also qualify if you have permanent kidney failure or receive Disability benefits.
The extra $144 added to Social Security usually comes from the Medicare Part B Giveback benefit, offered by some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which pays back some or all your Part B premium, showing up as extra money in your check if it's deducted from your Social Security. To qualify, you need Original Medicare (Parts A & B), pay your own Part B premium, live in a plan's service area, and enroll in a specific Medicare Advantage plan that offers this "rebate," with the amount varying by plan and location.