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January is always a tough month financially after the expensive Christmas period, but state pensioners looking to boost the coffers this month can get their hands on a wealth of freebies and discounts to the tune of £8,827.40.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) issued a reminder to pensioners this week to apply for Pension Credit, as they could be missing out on thousands of pounds worth of support.
The benefit provides extra cash to those aged 66 and over on a low income and is worth up to £4,200 per year on average, but as an added bonus it also unlocks a huge array of other discounts and payments. This includes things like housing benefit, Council Tax discounts, energy bill help and discounted NHS treatment costs.
So, if you’re in need of a financial boost in February, it’s well worth checking what benefits you’re eligible for any of the following, as you could get up to £8,827.40 worth of financial support.
Pension Credit – £4,200
Pension Credit 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 is worth £4,200 per year on average. It also unlocks several other benefits, so if you qualify you could also get:
Housing Benefit – £1,000
If you rent your home and you get the Guarantee element of Pension Credit then you’re 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.
Council Tax discount – £1,600
Pension Credit claimants can 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 DWP’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.
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.
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
Attendance Allowance 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.
