State pensioners given 11 freebies and discounts | European Markets

January is all the time a robust month financially after the costly Christmas period, however state pensioners trying to enhance the coffers this month can get their palms on a wealth of freebies and reductions to the tune of £8,827.40.

The Division for Work and Pensions (DWP) issued a reminder to pensioners this week to use for Pension Credit score, as they might be lacking out on 1000’s of kilos price of assist.

The benefit gives additional money to these aged 66 and over on a low income and is price up to £4,200 per 12 months on average, however as an added bonus it additionally unlocks a large array of different reductions and funds. This consists of issues like housing benefit, Council Tax reductions, power invoice help and discounted NHS remedy prices.

So, in case you’re in need of a financial enhance in February, it’s nicely price checking what advantages you’re eligible for any of the next, as you could possibly get up to £8,827.40 price of financial assist.

Pension Credit score – £4,200

Pension Credit score tops up your weekly income to £218.15 in case you’re single, or your joint weekly income to £332.95 in case you have a associate, and is price £4,200 per 12 months on average. It additionally unlocks a number of different advantages, so in case you qualify you could possibly additionally get:

Housing Profit – £1,000

If you happen to rent your home and also you get the Assure ingredient of Pension Credit score then you definitely’re eligible for the utmost Housing Profit entitlement out of your native council. This isn’t a fixed quantity, however Martin Lewis’ MSE says you could possibly get round £1,000 per 12 months, and doubtlessly have your rent paid in full.

Council Tax low cost – £1,600

Pension Credit score claimants can get a council tax low cost. The precise quantity you’ll get will depend on your native council, however it may be something from round £300 for a 25% discount on a typical Band D invoice up to round £1,600 for a 100% low cost.

Free TV Licence – £169.50

Anybody aged 75 and over and claiming Pension Credit score can get £169.50 off their TV Licence invoice, chopping it down to £0.

Heating payments low cost – £150

Pension Credit score entitles you to help with heating prices by way of the DWP’s Heat Dwelling Low cost scheme, which knocks £150 off your electrical energy invoice. The low cost is mechanically utilized by your electrical energy provider by March 31, 2025.

Free NHS prescriptions – £9.90

Claiming Pension Credit score may also entitle you to free NHS prescriptions, which value £9.90 per merchandise in England.

Free eye care – up to £215

If you happen to get any of the Assure ingredient of Pension Credit score then you might be entitled to help with NHS eye care, together with a voucher for glasses or contact lenses. In accordance with Martin Lewis’ MSE this might be price up to £215, relying in your prescription.

Free NHS dental remedy – up to £1,000

Pensioners who qualify for the Assure ingredient of Pension Credit score are additionally entitled to free NHS dental remedy, together with something from a easy examine up to full dentures. In accordance with Martin Lewis’ MSE this might quantity to up to £1,000 price of free remedy per 12 months.

Royal Mail redirection low cost – £24

Pension Credit score claimants are entitled to a low cost on the Royal Mail redirection service in case you’re transferring home. The service usually prices £84, however you’ll solely must pay £60 – providing you with a saving of £24.

Chilly Climate Cost – £25

If the temperature the place you reside drops to 0C or under for seven consecutive days, you’ll be eligible for a Chilly Climate Cost. That is automated in case you’re on an eligible benefit comparable to Pension Credit score, Earnings Help or Common Credit score.

Attendance Allowance – £434

Attendance Allowance helps with additional prices in case you have a incapacity extreme enough that you simply need somebody to help look after you and is price £72.65 per week for the decrease price or £108.55 per week for the upper price.