DWP state pensioners over 66 can unlock £8,368 with ‘quick’ application

State Pensioners aged over 66 can claim up to £8,368 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to assist with essential living costs. The DWP issued a fresh alert this week encouraging pensioners to apply for Pension Credit.

This benefit, worth approximately £4,200 annually, can “unlock” additional support worth thousands of pounds. Pension Credit provides extra money for those over 66 on a low income and serves as a gateway to other benefits, making it worthwhile for eligible individuals to apply.

The benefit increases your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single, or up to £332.95 if you have a partner, separate from your State Pension. In a post on X, the DWP stated: “Are you over 66? A quick online application could unlock £4,200 per year on average in Pension Credit plus extra help with heating bills including a Warm Home Discount. Apply now.”

If you meet the qualifying criteria for Pension Credit, not only will you receive up to £4,200 per year, but you’ll also be entitled to additional benefits worth around an extra £4,168.40.

Housing Benefit – £1,000

If you rent your home and get the Guarantee element of Pension Credit, you’re eligible for the maximum Housing Benefit entitlement from your local council, reports the Express.

While this isn’t a fixed amount, Martin Lewis’ MSE suggests you could receive around £1,000 per year, potentially covering your full rent.

Council Tax discount – £1,600

Pension Credit claimants are eligible for a council tax discount, with the exact amount depending on your local council. This could range from approximately £300 for a 25% reduction on a typical Band D bill to around £1,600 for a full 100% discount.

Free TV Licence – £169.50

Additionally, anyone aged 75 and over who is claiming Pension Credit can receive a free TV Licence, worth £169.50, reducing their TV Licence bill to zero.

Heating bills discount – £150

Pension Credit also entitles you to a heating bills discount of £150 through the DWP’s Warm Home Discount scheme, which is automatically applied by your electricity supplier by March 31, 2025.

Free NHS prescriptions – £9.90

Claiming Pension Credit will also provide you with free NHS prescriptions, which typically cost £9.90 per item in England.

Eye care – up to £215

If you receive any part of the Guarantee element of Pension Credit, you are entitled to assistance with NHS eye care, including a voucher for glasses or contact lenses, potentially worth up to £215, depending on your prescription, according to Martin Lewis’ MSE.

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, ranging from a simple check-up to full dentures, potentially amounting to up to £1,000 worth of free treatment per year, as per Martin Lewis’ MSE. A Royal Mail redirection discount of £24 is also available.

Royal Mail redirection discount – £24

Pension Credit claimants are eligible for a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service when moving house. The usual cost of the service is £84, but claimants will only need to pay £60, resulting in a saving of £24.

Applications for Pension Credit can be initiated up to four months prior to reaching State Pension age – currently 66 for both genders – and at any time afterwards. However, applications can only be backdated by three months. Applications can be made online via GOV. UK or by phoning the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.