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State pensioners who are on a low income could be entitled to a DWP benefit that unlocks a wealth of freebies and discounts in October
State pensioners across the UK could increase their income by up to £14,139.20 by claiming 12 Government freebies and discounts this October. The State Pension was raised by 4.1% in April this year, providing pensioners with an additional monthly cash boost, but some may be eligible for further support.
The full basic State Pension currently stands at £176.45 per week (or £9,175.40 per annum), while the full new State Pension is now valued at £230.25 per week (or £11,973 annually). According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), these new rates equate to an extra £360 annually for basic State Pension claimants, while those on the new State Pension are up to £470 better off per year.
However, this only applies if you qualify for the full amount, so pensioners without enough qualifying National Insurance years will receive less. But some state pensioners may be able to further enhance their income by claiming one DWP benefit that can unlock a host of freebies and discounts worth an average of £14,139.20.
Pension Credit provides low-income pensioners with additional money to assist with living costs and, according to the DWP, it’s worth over £3,900 per year. But it also paves the way for a range of other financial support, including the Winter Fuel Payment, Council Tax discount and help with heating bills, making it well worth checking if you’re eligible, reports the Express.
Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London, said: “Pension Credit is a valuable benefit because it is a ‘gateway’ benefit. That means, if you’re able to claim it, you may also be able to get help with housing costs (through Council Tax discount and Housing Benefit or Support for Mortgage Interest).
“You’re also eligible for a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over and you may be able to get help with NHS dental treatment, prescriptions and transport costs.
“If you’re entitled to these benefits, the state help you get could be very valuable and that could make a real difference to your finances. However, hundreds of thousands of people are missing out on Pension Credit. Our research showed that two in five people over State Pension age hadn’t checked to see if they were entitled to Pension Credit.”
Therefore, if you require a financial uplift this month, it’s worthwhile examining your eligibility for Pension Credit – alongside one additional DWP benefit – as it could unlock financial assistance valued at up to £14,139.20. Below are 12 freebies and reductions pensioners could claim in October.
Pension Credit – exceeding £3,900 annually on average
Pension Credit supplements your weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single or your combined weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner. You must reside in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit, and it is valued at exceeding £3,900 annually on average according to the DWP.
If you’re eligible for Pension Credit, this benefit also opens the door to a host of other freebies and discounts, which could include the following:.
Housing Benefit – £1,000
If you rent your property and receive the Guarantee element of Pension Credit, you’re entitled to the maximum Housing Benefit from your local council. The exact amount isn’t fixed, but according to Martin Lewis’ MSE, you could receive around £1,000 per annum, and potentially have your rent fully covered.
Council Tax discount – £1,600
Those claiming Pension Credit can receive a council tax discount. The precise amount depends on your local council, but it can range from approximately £300 for a 25% reduction on a typical Band D bill, up to around £1,600 for a 100% discount.
Winter Fuel Payment – up to £300
Pension Credit claimants are also eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, worth up to £300. Eligible pensioners will receive a letter from the DWP in October and November confirming the amount they’ll receive, with the money being paid into their account in November or December.
You’ll either receive £200 if you were born between 22 September 1945 and 21 September 1959, or £300 if you were born before 22 September 1945.
Free TV Licence – £174.50
Anyone aged 75 and over who is claiming Pension Credit can get £174.50 off their TV Licence bill, reducing it to £0.
Heating bills discount – £150
Pension Credit entitles you to assistance with heating costs through the DWP’s Warm Home Discount scheme, which deducts £150 from your electricity bill. The discount is automatically applied by your electricity supplier by 31 March 2025.
Free NHS prescriptions – £9.90
Claiming Pension Credit also grants you free NHS prescriptions, which are priced at £9.90 per item in England.
Free eye care – up to £215
If you receive any of the Guarantee element of Pension Credit, you are eligible for 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, ranging from a simple check-up to full dentures. According to Martin Lewis’ MSE, this could equate to up to £1,000 worth of free treatment per year.
Cold Weather Payment – £25
If the temperature where you live falls to 0C or below for seven consecutive days, you’ll be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment of £25. This is automatic if you’re on an eligible benefit such as Pension Credit, Income Support or Universal Credit.
Royal Mail redirection discount – £24
Pension Credit claimants are eligible for a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service when relocating. The usual cost of the service is £84, but you’ll only need to pay £60, resulting in a saving of £24.
You can initiate a Pension Credit application up to four months prior to reaching State Pension age – currently 66 for both men and women – and at any point thereafter, though your application 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.
Attendance Allowance – up to £5,740.80
Attendance Allowance assists with additional costs if you have a severe disability that necessitates someone’s help for care and is valued at £73.90 per week for the lower rate or £110.40 per week for the higher rate.
If you have a severe disability requiring regular assistance both day and night, you could be eligible for the higher amount. There are 56 categories of conditions that could qualify you. If you receive the higher rate, this could amount to as much as £5,740.80 annually.
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