65 next week - do I need to do anything "legally"? Will apply for bus pass!

[SWnewstart]

It's my birthday next week and I'm just wondering if there is anything I should be doing? I will apply for bus pass . Not sure if I qualify for state pension until 66. Any other positives? (apart from growing older disgracefully and caring less what anyone thinks).

I'd start now.

You qualify for a pneumonia vaccination when you turn 65, available via your GP surgery.

No bus pass until state pension age.

Unless your local council is more generous, you don't get your bus pass until state pension age, so next year.

(Devolved nations give the pass at age 60, so you're either too early or several years too late.)

*no bus pass until state pension age unless you live in that London

Aren't you applying a year early for your bus pass if you're in England?

In London we get an over 60 Oyster card from 60th birthday. Free travel on buses, tubes, local trains etc, except in morning peak hours. (I think- bit hazy o details.) Straightforward online application.

My husband got an invitation to ultrasound screening for aortic aneurysm. Over 65s, one time only, but only for men, as their risk is much higher than women's.

Think bus pass varies by council area, or region. Im in Scotland
I got mine at 60 ( and not used it due to pandemic )

If you havent already think about a will, this is important at any age, even if its only to name an executor
My mum died without a will, it added a lot of stress at a very sad time, we couldnt access her bank accounts or sell her caravan or car until we had legal right to do so. Meanwhile bills still needed paying like the funeral, ground rent to caravan site, gas , electric etc though we later found we could have got her insurance company or maybe bank to pay funeral director direct. we also needed an insurance policy ( bond of caution -its aScotttish thing ) it cost more than a solicitors visit to write a will

Our Will are all sorted, thank you. Checked re bus pass and people are correct, bus pass in this area isn't until state pension age, so that's something to look forward to next year! There must be more positives out there? (I don't mean mental attitude to ageing, never had a problem with that, still as silly as a youngster sometimes!) just feel I should be doing more paperwork or something!

If you haven't already, get a state pension forecast.

Oh - and ensure your address is up to date with HMRC.

Our locally chippy has an OAP night, reduced prices.....not sure what age qualifies though. I'm sure you don't particularly want to be labelled OAP, but.....cheap chips!

senior rail card (over 60) iff you don't already have one.

There is a coach card as well.
Actually unless you are lucky enough to receive pension credit or a disability payment you get very little else. In fact if you have made provision for your retirement sadly you lose out on a lot
Winter fuel allowance is not means tested but is no longer increased
Enjoy your retirement - money may be short but you have time to do stuff.

just to add - driving licence renewal every 3 years begins at 70 - you are fine for another 5 years.

I got into a museum for OAP rate today! Delighted.

Always check before you buy tickets for something, my mum is 65 but gets in cheAper in some places as the age minimum varies

@Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g

I got into a museum for OAP rate today! Delighted.

Just be careful they dont let the very old ones back out as they want to exhibit them!

Good tip there, @VeganVeal!

Yes, @SquashMinusIsShit, we were asked if we were over 60 (which I am, just). Not sure why 60 was chosen, , but did not complain!