One of the perks of becoming a senior adult is that one becomes eligible for special discounts offered by many local businesses and organizations.
The Ohio Department of Aging administers the Golden Buckeye program, giving seniors access to discounts at more than 20,000 businesses throughout the state. Seniors age 60 or older, and any disabled adult over the age of 18, is eligible for this free program.
State residents who hold a current Ohio driver’s license or state ID card automatically receive a Golden Buckeye card the month of their 60th birthday. Other eligible residents may apply for the card at any CH-UH library or at the Cleveland Heights Senior Activity Center.
For more information on the Golden Buckeye Program, call 800-422-1976 or visit www.aging.ohio.gov/goldenbuckeye.
The following businesses offer a 10 percent discount for Golden Buckeye cardholders: Tommy’s restaurant at 1824 Coventry Road (216-321-7757), Boston Market at 2184 Warrensville Center Road (216-321-2219) and Wendy’s at 13246 Cedar Road (216-371-3402).
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History offers cardholders a $2 discount on admission (216-231-4600).
The Golden Buckeye card also provides access to prescription drug discounts through the “Ohio’s Best Rx” program. Call 866-923-7879, or visit www.ohiobestrx.org, for more information.
Other local businesses and organizations offering discounts for seniors include the Cedar Lee Theatre ($3 discount on shows after 3 p.m.; 216-321-5411), Bremec on the Heights (10 percent discount; 216-932-0039), Cleveland Heights Community Center ($20 discount on a 30-day pass, $121 discount on a one-year pass; 216-691-7373), Atma Center (10 percent discount on a class pass for 5, 15 or 30 classes; 216-371-9760), Cumberland pool ($10 discount on a season pass; 216-691-7265), and Purvis Park pool ($25 discount on a recreation pass; 216-382-4720).
Museums and performance halls offering discounts to seniors include the Cleveland Play House (discount varies by show; 216-241-6000), the Great Lakes Science Center ($1 discount on admission, additional savings for groups of 10 or more; 216-694-2000), the Cleveland Museum of Art special exhibitions (20 percent discount; 216-421-7350), and the Steamship William G. Mather Maritime Museum ($1 discount; 216-694-2000).
Membership in AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) also gives seniors access to discounts too numerous to list here. Get more information by visiting www.aarp.org or calling 888-687-2277.
Low-income seniors may be eligible for discounts on gas and electric utilities through the Home Energy Assistance Program administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency. Call 800-282-0880 or visit www.development.ohio.gov/is/is_heap.htm for information.
In addition, the Ohio Department of Taxation offers discounts on property taxes for low-income seniors. Contact the department at 800-282-1780.
Please note that the above list may not be exhaustive, and there may be other discounts available of which the writer is unaware.
Please also note that the amount and availability of these discounts may change. Call ahead to verify the discount, and ask what proof of eligibility is required.
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