Stop Paying for These 11 Things Once You Turn 65 (Senior Discounts Nobody Uses)

Most people know about the small coffee discount but few realize they might be eligible to stop paying property taxes or Medicare premiums entirely.

Inflation in 2025 is eating into fixed incomes so you might be leaving thousands on the table by paying for services that are free or heavily subsidized.

It is not a list of small coupons because we are covering major expenses you can slash or eliminate backed by current policies.

Here are the senior discounts nobody uses but everyone should claim to keep more money in their pockets.

1. Property Taxes

It is likely your biggest monthly bill but it does not have to be so expensive. Many seniors struggle to keep their homes because taxes keep rising yet in many states you can stop these increases immediately.

This program is usually called a Senior Freeze or a specific type of Homestead Exemption depending on where you live.

Once you turn 65 the county freezes the taxable value of your home so even if your home value doubles next year you still pay taxes based on the old lower value.

• Eligibility usually requires you to be 65 or older with certain income limits
• Cook County IL and St Louis County MO offer specific freezes preventing tax hikes
• Contact your County Assessor immediately as deadlines are often in the spring
• You must file the paperwork yourself because they will not call you

2. Medicare Part B Premiums

Check your Social Security deposit to see if a chunk is missing for Part B coverage. For most people the standard Medicare Part B premium costs over 174 dollars per month which comes right out of your check before you ever see it.

Many seniors qualify for Medicare Savings Programs which are state programs that pay your Medicare premiums for you.

If you qualify for this benefit that money goes back into your Social Security check every single month giving you more cash to use.

• Ask specifically about QMB and SLMB and QI programs
• Income limits often change in January so apply even if you were denied before
• Doctors are legally banned from charging QMB members co pays or deductibles
• This is different from Medicaid so you can have higher assets

3. College Tuition

Boredom is the enemy of retirement but going back to university is the perfect cure. You can stop paying for knowledge because all 50 states have some form of university waiver for seniors.

You can often sit in the same classes as undergraduates for zero tuition by auditing the class or applying for a specific senior waiver. This keeps your mind sharp and allows you to learn new skills without taking on any student debt.

• Auditing allows you to take the class without worrying about grades
• University of Delaware offers a free degree program for residents over 60
• Georgia Tech offers a program for those 62 plus to pay practically zero tuition
• Contact the university Registrar office and ask about Senior Citizen Tuition Waivers

4. Gym Memberships

Gyms are expensive but your health plan might foot the entire bill for you. For years SilverSneakers was the standard benefit but you need to be careful in 2025 because some insurers are dropping this benefit to save money.

You should check your plan details immediately to see if you have lost this coverage or if it has switched to a different provider. If your insurance offers zero gym perks you should look at your local city community center for other options.

• Look for Renew Active from UnitedHealthcare or Silver and Fit
• Some Blue Cross plans have cut SilverSneakers so check your card
• Many community centers offer free Senior Hours for residents over 65
• Call the number on the back of your insurance card to confirm your 2025 benefits

5. Full Price Auto Insurance

You have been driving for 40 years so you should not pay the same rate as a rookie driver. In 34 states this is not just a nice perk because it is actually the law.

Insurers in these states are legally required to give you a discount if you complete a state approved defensive driving course.

The discount usually lasts for three years and ranges from 5 percent to 15 percent depending on your specific state regulations.

• Mandated states include California and Florida and Pennsylvania
• You can find cheap courses through AAA or the AARP Smart Driver program
• Courses often cost less than 20 dollars and can be taken online at home
• Call your agent before booking to ask which specific course they accept

6. Tax Preparation Fees

Tax laws for retirees are confusing but you do not need to pay a CPA to figure them out. You should stop paying services like H and R Block because the IRS sponsors a free program called Tax Counseling for the Elderly.

These are not random volunteers because they are IRS certified specifically to handle retirement issues. They understand pensions and Social Security tax limits and Required Minimum Distributions better than general software does.

• This program is generally for people 60 years of age and older
• Visit the IRS website and search for TCE or use the VITA locator tool
• Appointments fill up fast so look for the tool in late January
• Volunteers focus specifically on pension and retirement questions

7. Legal Advice

You need a will and a Power of Attorney but paying a lawyer 300 dollars an hour is painful. The Legal Services Corporation funds legal aid specifically for seniors who need help with civil matters.

They can help with housing evictions or Social Security disputes or drafting simple wills to protect your family. Many states also run Senior Legal Hotlines where you can ask a lawyer a question for free without leaving your house.

• Search online for your specific state Senior Legal Hotline
• Services include help with simple wills and Power of Attorney updates
• Most hotlines provide free advice to anyone over 60 regardless of income
• This is funded by federal grants to ensure seniors have access to justice

8. Emergency Home Repairs

If you own a home but cash is tight a broken furnace or roof leak can be a disaster. If you are 62 or older and have a low income you might qualify for the USDA Section 504 Home Repair program.

This is one of the best kept secrets in government benefits because it provides actual grants rather than loans. You can get up to 10000 dollars to remove health and safety hazards from your home without needing a credit check.

• The money is a grant that does not need to be repaid
• You must live in an eligible rural area though many suburbs qualify
• You generally must stay in the home for three years after the repair
• Go to the USDA website and search Single Family Housing Repair to check your address

9. National Park Entrance Fees

Stop paying the 35 dollar vehicle fee every time you want to see nature. If you visit National Parks the regular entrance fees add up fast so you should buy the America the Beautiful Senior Pass once you turn 62.

This is a lifetime pass that covers everyone in your car so you never have to pay at the gate again. It pays for itself in just three visits and encourages you to travel more.

• The cost is 80 dollars for a lifetime pass
• It gives you a 50 percent discount on camping and boat launch fees
• Buy the pass in person at a park gate to avoid online processing fees
• Keep the pass in your glovebox so you always have it ready

10. Public Transit Fares

Federal transit laws often require off peak discounts for seniors who use public transportation. If you live near a city you should never pay full price for the bus or train because most systems receive federal funding.

Because of this funding they are usually required to offer reduced fares for seniors during non peak hours. Some systems go even further and offer completely free rides to seniors which can save you hundreds of dollars a year.

• SEPTA in Pennsylvania offers free rides to seniors 65 and older
• You usually need a specific Senior ID card issued by the transit authority
• Sometimes showing your Medicare card is enough to get the discount
• Check the fares page on your local transit website for reduced fare applications

11. Prescription Co Pays

Prescriptions are the biggest budget buster for seniors but help is available. If you have limited income and resources you should apply for Extra Help through Social Security which is worth about 5300 dollars per year.

If you earn too much for federal aid you should go straight to the drug manufacturer for their Patient Assistance Programs. If you cannot afford their drug they will often give it to you for free or for a very low cost to ensure you stay healthy.

• Extra Help pays for Part D premiums and deductibles and co pays
• Use the BenefitsCheckUp tool from the National Council on Aging
• Patient Assistance Programs come directly from the drug companies
• New caps in 2025 limit out of pocket costs but these programs save even more