Extra perks continue for Gold Card holders

Gold Card holders will continue to enjoy discounted rail travel and free community transport dial-a-bus services now Derbyshire County Council has agreed to fund the benefits for another year.

 

£440,000 has been set aside by the county council to continue paying for the extra perks.

The decision follows a consultation with Gold Card holders in which 58 per cent of respondents said they were happy with the existing scheme.

Councillor Chris Jackson, Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We know how much Gold Card holders rely on discounted rail travel and free community transport to get out and about - particularly in rural areas.
"We're delighted to be able to offer these benefits again this year."

Gold Card is the travel, discount and library card for people over 60 and eligible disabled people in Derbyshire. It also doubles as a free national bus travel pass.

From 6 April, the Government is introducing changes to the date people across the country can apply for the national travel pass.

Changes are being introduced because age-related benefits, like free bus travel, are being brought in line with the state pension age increasing to 65 for women as well as men.

Everyone approaching 60 will have to wait a number of extra months before they're eligible for a Gold Card - unless they have a Gold Card because of a disability. The alternative would have been to make everyone nearing 60 to wait a full five years extra.

Anyone who has already reached 60 but does not have a Gold Card can apply now.

Residents turning 60 on or before April 5 can apply up to seven days before their birthday.

People approaching their 60th birthday in the next few months can use the table below to find out when they can apply for their Gold Card.

Anyone born after April 5 1955 will have to wait until they are 65 to get their Gold Card - unless they are applying because of a disability.

There will be no changes to the benefits which Gold Card holders get including:

• Free bus travel on all local buses across England after 9.30am until 11pm on weekdays and at all times on weekends and bank holidays
• Discounts at 1,400 local shops and services.
• Using their Derbyshire Gold Card as a library card in Derbyshire libraries

People who are unsure when they will be eligible can Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 for help and advice.
Anyone who would like to apply for a Gold Card should contact their relevant district, borough or Derby City Council.

If your birthday is within these dates    You are eligible for a Gold Card on
Before and including April 5 1950                 Date of 60th birthday
April 6 1950 to May 5 1950                          May 6 2010
May 6 1950 to June 5 1950                          July 6 2010
June 6 1950 to July 5 1950                          September 6 2010
July 6 1950 to August 5 1950                       November 6 2010
August 6 1950 to September 5 1950             January 6 2011
September 6 1950 to October 5 1950           March 6 2011
October 6 1950 to November 5 1950            May 6 2011
November 6 1950 to December 5 1950         July 6 2011
December 6 1950 to January 5 1951            September 6 2011
January 6 1951 to February 5 1951              November 6 2011
February 6 1951 to March 5 1951                 January 6 2012
March 6 1951 to April 6 1951                       March 6 2012

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