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Useful UK guides

The 7 main benefits Britons born before 1996 could get

Many discounts, public services and household support schemes are easy to overlook. Here are seven options worth checking, with links to UK sources where you can verify the latest eligibility rules.

Eligibility and availability vary across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Information checked for September 2026.

Older British couple using a laptop at home

Some savings are automatic, while others depend on your age, income, location, energy supplier or health needs. The important part is checking the current rules rather than assuming you do or do not qualify.

This page is an independent informational guide. It does not determine eligibility and does not process applications.

01

Older person’s bus pass: free or discounted local travel

Older woman using a travel card while boarding a red double-decker bus

Rules differ by nation. In England, eligibility for an older person’s bus pass is linked to State Pension age, while Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different age rules. The official GOV.UK service directs you to the right local application route.

Check bus pass eligibility on GOV.UK
External source: GOV.UK
02

Home security: compare alarm systems before paying for monitoring

Couple using a smartphone and home security keypad at a UK home

Smart alarms can offer app alerts without the cost of a traditional monitored contract, but features and security vary. Before buying, compare independent tests, ongoing subscription costs and software support.

Compare UK home-security options
External source: Which?
03

Warm Home Discount: £150 off electricity bills for eligible households

Older couple reviewing household bills and adjusting a radiator control

For winter 2026 to 2027, the Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 electricity-bill discount to eligible households. The scheme reopens in October 2026, and eligibility rules depend on where you live and your circumstances.

Check the Warm Home Discount
External source: GOV.UK
04

NHS hearing aids: assessment, devices and aftercare may be free

Healthcare professional fitting a hearing aid for an older man

If you have hearing problems, a GP can help you access an NHS hearing assessment. When recommended, NHS hearing aids are provided as a long-term loan, with batteries, repairs and follow-up support available through the NHS hearing-aid service.

Read the NHS hearing-aid guide
External source: NHS
05

Cashback websites: get part of your spending back

Woman shopping online with a laptop and payment card

Cashback sites can return part of the commission they receive when you buy through a tracked link. Rates change frequently, so compare the payout before purchasing and never spend more simply to earn cashback.

See the UK cashback guide
External source: MoneySavingExpert
06

Warm Homes: Local Grant: help with home energy upgrades in England

Homeowner discussing energy-efficiency improvements with an adviser

The Warm Homes: Local Grant is delivered through participating English local authorities and is aimed at eligible low-income households in privately owned or rented homes with lower EPC ratings. Measures can include insulation, solar panels and low-carbon heating, depending on the property and local scheme.

Check Warm Homes: Local Grant information
External source: GOV.UK
07

Free NHS Health Check in England for many people aged 40 to 74

Healthcare professional carrying out a blood pressure check

The NHS Health Check programme in England is a free cardiovascular health check for many adults aged 40 to 74 who do not already have certain conditions. It can help identify risk factors for problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease.

Check NHS Health Check eligibility
External source: NHS