Pensioners can get free handouts worth more than £8,500 in January (Image: Getty)
State pensioners feeling the pinch after the expensive period can get a helping hand in the form of £8,527.40 worth of freebies and discounts in January.
The deadline to claim this year’s , which is worth up to £300, has now passed but there’s still a wealth of other support up for grabs.
A key benefit pensioners are urged to claim is , as this serves as a gateway to loads of other financial help, including housing costs, Council Tax discounts, NHS treatment costs and
The benefit, which is paid by the () is worth £3,900 per year on average and according to government estimates around 880,000 low income pensioners in the UK aren’t claiming it even though they’re entitled to.
So if you’re in need of a boost to your coffers in the New Year, now is the time to check what benefits you are eligible for as you could be missing out on up to £8,527.40 worth of financial support.
Pension Credit – £3,900
This benefit is worth £3,900 per year on average and is given to people over age and on a low income. It tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single, or your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner, and unlocks several other benefits. If you qualify for it, you could also get:
Council Tax discount – £1,600
Pension Credit claimants can also get a council tax discount. The exact amount you’ll get depends on your local council, but it can be anything from around £300 for a 25% reduction on a typical Band D bill up to around £1,600 for a 100% discount.
Free TV Licence – £169.50
Anyone aged 75 and over and claiming Pension Credit can get £169.50 off their TV Licence bill, cutting it down to £0.
Heating bills discount – £150
Pension Credit entitles you to help with heating costs through the ’s Warm Home Discount scheme, which knocks £150 off your electricity bill. The discount is automatically applied by your electricity supplier by March 31, 2025.
Free NHS prescriptions – £9.90
Claiming Pension Credit will also entitle you to free NHS prescriptions, which cost £9.90 per item in England.
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Free eye care – up to £215
If you get any of the Guarantee element of Pension Credit then you are entitled to help with NHS eye care, including a voucher for glasses or contact lenses. According to Martin Lewis’ MSE this could be worth up to £215, depending on your prescription.
Free NHS dental treatment – up to £1,000
Pensioners who qualify for the Guarantee element of Pension Credit are also entitled to free NHS dental treatment, including anything from a simple check up to full dentures. According to Martin Lewis’ MSE this could amount to up to £1,000 worth of free treatment per year.
Housing Benefit – £1,000
If you rent your home and you get the Guarantee element of Pension Credit then you are eligible for the maximum Housing Benefit entitlement from your local council. This isn’t a fixed amount, but Martin Lewis’ MSE says you could get around £1,000 per year, and potentially have your rent paid in full.
Royal Mail redirection discount – £24
Pension Credit claimants are entitled to a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house. The service normally costs £84, but you’ll only have to pay £60 – giving you a saving of £24.
Cold Weather Payment – £25
If the temperature where you live drops to 0C or below for seven consecutive days, you’ll be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment. This is automatic if you’re on an eligible benefit such as Pension Credit, Income Support or Universal Credit.
Attendance Allowance – £434
helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you and is worth £72.65 per week for the lower rate or £108.55 per week for the higher rate.
If you have a severe disability which means you require regular assistance day and night, you could claim the higher amount. There are a total of 56 categories of conditions which could make you eligible. If you get the higher rate this would be worth around £434 in December alone.