These days, retirees can enjoy a variety of senior discounts aimed at making their lives just a little more affordable. The savings can really add up. But in certain cases, older adults can score even better deals than senior discounts -- some goods and services come absolutely free of charge. Here are three great retirement freebies to look for.
Let’s start with free college classes. About 60% of accredited, degree-granting institutions offer tuition waivers for older adults. In fact, several states have laws requiring state-supported institutes of higher learning to waive tuition for older residents, typically starting around age 60. Some tuition-waiver programs allow credit to be earned for the course, while others only allow the course to be audited.
Freebies can be found at the pharmacy as well. Several supermarket pharmacies including Harris Teeter, Meijer and Publix offer select antibiotics, diabetes medications and other generic drugs for free. You might need to enroll in a pharmacy loyalty program to receive the free drugs. Pharmaceutical companies also offer some free drugs to low-income people who don’t have prescription-drug insurance. Use the online database available at rxassist.org to find free medication through drug companies' patient assistance programs.
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Free tax help aimed at retirement-aged taxpayers is available through two popular programs. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly program, funded by the IRS, offers free tax help to all taxpayers with an emphasis on those age 60 and older. Seniors taking advantage of this service will find IRS-certified volunteers who specialize in pension and other retirement-related tax issues. Also, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation for low- to moderate-income taxpayers, especially those 60 and up.
These three freebies for retirees are just the start. There are even more freebies you can enjoy in retirement. Check them out. Plus, learn why it pays to avoid certain senior discounts.
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