State pensioners across the UK can cash in on a wealth of freebies and discounts worth £8,393 before January.
Pensioner households have been issued a reminder by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to submit a claim for Pension Credit this month, which will open the door to a vast array of other financial support.
The benefit alone is worth £3,900 per year on average and serves as the gateway to bag this year’s Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300.
Thousands of pensioners missed out on the fuel payment this year after Labour changed the eligibility criteria, while around 880,000 households that qualify for Pension Credit are missing out on it.
The DWP is warning that the deadline to apply for Pension Credit, and in turn the Winter Fuel Payment, is fast approaching and pensioners must submit their claim by December 21 to qualify.
If you get the benefit you’ll also get access to an array of other support including help with housing costs, Council Tax discounts, a free TV licence and NHS treatment costs.
Budgets are always tight around Christmas so now is the time to check what you’re eligible for and submit a claim for extra help as you could be missing out on up to £8,393 worth of support.
Pension Credit – £3,900
Pension Credit is worth around £3,900 per year and awarded to those over State Pension 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 serves as a gateway to a wealth of other benefits. If you qualify for it, you could also get:
Winter Fuel Payment – £300
Pension Credit claimants will qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300. The amount you get is based on when you were born and your circumstances between the qualifying week of September 16 and 22, 2024.
Council Tax discount – £1,600
If you claim Pension Credit, you 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.
Warm Home Discount – £150
Pension Credit entitles you to help with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount scheme, which provides a £150 off your electricity bill. The discount is automatically applied to your bill by your electricity supplier by March 31, 2025.
Free NHS prescriptions – £9.90
Pension Credit entitles you to help with free NHS prescriptions, which cost £9.90 per item in England. The charge applies to each different medicine or medical appliance.
Free eye care – up to £215
If you get any of the Guarantee element of Pension Credit then you will be entitled to get 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 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 also 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 also entitles claimants 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.
