Turning 60 in 2026 does not trigger State Pension. That remains State Pension age (66 for people born before 6 April 1960, higher for those born later). Many people assume 60 is a significant benefits threshold in the UK, but most of the major pension-age entitlements only start at State Pension age. Here is what you actually can, and cannot, claim at 60.
What Changes at Age 60 in 2026/27
| Benefit | Available at 60? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free NHS prescriptions | ✅ Yes (England) | From your 60th birthday |
| Free NHS sight tests | ✅ Yes (England, 60+) | At any registered optician |
| State Pension | ❌ No | Available at State Pension age |
| Pension Credit | ❌ No | Available at State Pension age |
| Winter Fuel Payment | ❌ No | For winter 2026 to 2027, born on or before 27 June 1960; if your income is over £35,000 the payment is taken back through tax |
| Bus pass (England) | ❌ No (State Pension age) | State Pension age in England; for London, check the Freedom Pass service |
| Attendance Allowance | ❌ No | Only available from State Pension age (PIP is the equivalent for people under State Pension age) |
| PIP | ✅ Yes (if disabled, under State Pension age) | No age change at 60 |
| Universal Credit | ✅ Yes (if low income, under State Pension age) | No age change at 60 |
Free NHS Prescriptions from Age 60
In England, everyone aged 60 or over qualifies for free NHS prescriptions. There is no form to complete — simply tick the appropriate box on the back of the prescription form, or tell the pharmacist you are over 60.
This applies to all NHS prescriptions, including repeat prescriptions for ongoing conditions. It is worth potentially hundreds of pounds per year for people on multiple medications.
In Wales and Scotland, prescriptions are free for everyone regardless of age.
Free NHS Sight Tests from Age 60
In England, free NHS sight tests are available from age 60. You can book at any registered optician. You are also entitled to an optical voucher towards the cost of glasses if a prescription is issued.
What You Cannot Claim Until State Pension Age
The main pension-age benefits (State Pension, Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, and the Winter Fuel Payment) are all gated at State Pension age. Being 60 does not unlock any of these.
State Pension age is rising. If you were born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977, your State Pension age is 67 (being phased in 2026–2028). Check your exact date at gov.uk/check-state-pension.
Income Support at 60: Universal Credit
If you are 60 and on a low income, out of work, or working part-time, the main income support route is Universal Credit. UC is available to people under State Pension age (66 for people born before 6 April 1960, higher for those born later) regardless of your exact age.
At 60, UC rules are the same as for any working-age claimant. Your work-related requirements depend on your circumstances — if you have a health condition or disability, you may qualify for reduced or no work requirements.
Can I Access My Pension at 60?
While State Pension is not available until State Pension age, private pension access is a separate matter. The minimum pension access age is currently 55, rising to 57 in April 2028. If you have a workplace or personal pension, you may be able to begin drawing from it at 57 (or 55 until 2028). This is not a state benefit but your own pension savings.
Accessing your pension early will reduce what you receive in retirement. For guidance on pension drawdown and tax implications, see our pension drawdown guide.
Travel Concessions at 60
London: The Freedom Pass service describes the pass as for Londoners over the age of 66 (GOV.UK’s bus pass page gives 60, so check the Freedom Pass service for your date of birth). The pass provides free travel on London buses, tubes, trains, DLR, Overground, and the Elizabeth line.
England (outside London): The national bus pass is only available from State Pension age (66 for people born before 6 April 1960, higher for those born later). Some councils offer local schemes from 60 but this is not universal.
Wales and Scotland: Bus passes available at 60 for residents.
Planning Your Benefits from 60 to State Pension Age
If you are approaching 60 with low income, the gap years before State Pension age can be financially difficult. Key actions:
- Check your State Pension forecast at gov.uk/check-state-pension — see your exact SPA date and your projected weekly amount
- Fill NI gaps — you can buy voluntary NI contributions to fill gaps in your record before reaching SPA. The deadline to buy back years to 2006 was extended; check current deadlines at HMRC
- Claim Universal Credit if on low income. Don’t wait for State Pension age
- Check PIP if you have a disability or long-term health condition — PIP does not have an age minimum (over 16) and can provide significant tax-free income
See our State Pension guide, Pension Credit guide, and Universal Credit guide.