People who have reached State Pension age can access freebies and discounts worth up to £1,400. There are a number of extra benefits you can get which will help boost your income.
The perks can help ease the cost of living, as well as offer savings on energy bills, public transport, healthcare and council tax. But not everyone is aware that they are entitled to the support.
Some of the discounts are linked to the other benefits you receive, so it’s important you have applied for any benefits you are eligible for. You should also contact your local council, utility providers and healthcare services to see what help is available if you are struggling.
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Pension Credit – worth an average £325 in January
Pension Credit is a benefit designed to top up the income of pensioners on lower earnings, The Sun reports. The top Pension Credit award is worth more than £3,900 per year.
It also opens doors to other support, including the Winter Fuel Payment, help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills. Claimants are guaranteed a minimum income of £218.15 a week for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples.
This is also due to rise from April 2025. If you have caring responsibilities or a disability, you might even get more.
There are about 880,000 households across the UK eligible for Pension Credit who are yet to claim. The Government has urged people to check if they should be getting support.
If you think you qualify, the benefit can be backdated for up to three months.
Savings Credit – up to £82.51 in January
If you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, and have savings or a private pension, you may qualify for the Savings Credit portion of Pension Credit. This can pay up to £17.01 weekly for singles and £19.04 for couples – which is £884.52 or £990.08 a year.
No National Insurance Contributions – save £154.27 in January
Pensioners who work beyond State Pension age can benefit from being exempt from National Insurance contributions. For example, someone earning the average UK salary of £35,724 could save £1,851.20 annually in National Insurance payments.
That works out at just over £154 a month.
Free prescriptions – worth £114.50 annually
Prescriptions are free across England, Scotland, and Wales once you turn 60. This can save you up to £114.50 annually if you require regular prescriptions, based on the cost of an annual prepayment certificate.
Free NHS dental treatment – save £26.80 for a check up
If you or your partner claim the Guarantee Credit portion of Pension Credit, you are entitled to free NHS dental care. Depending on the treatment needed, this could save you £26.80 for a routine check-up to £319.10 for more extensive dental work like crowns or dentures.
Free eye test and help with glasses
Everyone over the age of 60 is eligible for free NHS eye tests, which typically cost between £20 and £25. If you claim Guarantee Credit, you may also qualify for help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
Free TV Licence – worth £169.50
Pensioners aged 75 and older who get Pension Credit also get a free TV license. The annual cost is £169.50 for a colour licence, while black and white licenses normally cost just £57.
You can also qualify if a partner who you live with receives Pension Credit.
Council Tax discounts – save up to £180.92 in January
Pensioners on low incomes or who get the Guarantee part of Pension Credit may be eligible for a reduction in their council tax bill. Some people could even qualify for a 100 per cent discount.
For those in a Band D property, this would save £2,171 on average – which works out as about £180.92 in January. Even if you do not receive Pension Credit, your local council may offer reductions based on your income and savings.
Free bus passes – worth £87.16 in January
You are eligible for free bus travel across the UK once you reach State Pension age. In London and Wales, free bus passes are available from age 60.
To apply, visit the GOV.UK website and enter your postcode to find your local scheme. Bus fares in 2022 cost £19.37 for a weekly ticket, which would give you savings of around £81.17 for the month.
Senior Railcard – save £8 a month
The Senior Railcard offers a third off train fares, for just £30 a year. The average cardholder saves £96 annually, while buying a three-year card for £70 instead of renewing could save you even more.
Discounted broadband – save £11.91 in January
Many broadband providers offer discounted social tariffs for people on low incomes. Some have certain eligibility criteria, while others say you need to be on certain benefits such as Pension Credit.
Plans often cost as little as £14.99 per month, compared to the average broadband cost of £26.90 per month. They usually include line rental too.
Over the year, this could save you £142.92.
Cold Weather Payments – £25 per week of freezing temperatures
For every seven-day period when temperatures drop below 0°C, people on certain benefits including Pension Credit receive £25. This is an automatic payment and helps cover additional heating costs during harsh winter weather.
While the exact savings depend on your location, it can add up in colder regions. The maximum you could get in January is £100, if the whole month was sub-zero.
Warm Home Discount – £150 off your energy bill
The Warm Home Discount is a £150 reduction on your energy bill. It is available to people claiming Pension Credit and is applied automatically.
If you do not receive confirmation by January, contact the scheme to ensure you are not missing out. Even if you are not eligible for Pension Credit, you could still qualify if you are on a low income and have unusually high energy bills, for instance if someone in the household has a disability.
Discounted water bills
Some water providers offer social tariffs for pensioners on low incomes. Get in touch with your water supplier to see if you qualify for these discounts, which can vary by region.