State pensioners could be eligible for up to £3,200 worth of extra support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) but millions could be missing out.
As well as being the primary retirement payment provided by the DWP, the state pension is also a gateway benefit to additional cost of living support.
Here is a full list of the freebie benefits and discounts that are currently available to Britons of pension age, as well as the savings that can be made:
- Free prescriptions - saving of £118
- Free dental treatment - saving of £282
- Free TV licence - saving of £169
- Council tax discount - saving of up to £2,171
- Social tariff - saving of up to £234
- Free insulation and boiler grants - £1,000s in savings up for grabs
- Free bus pass - saving of up to £128
Do you have a money story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing money@gbnews.uk.
Older Britons have struggled with the cost of living in recent years
PAFree prescriptions
Those aged 60 or over are entitled to free medication on the NHS under certain circumstances, such as if they have a qualifying health condition.
However, pensioners are able to receive medication free of charge on a standard NHS prescription.
Free dental treatment
Pensioners can claim this freebie benefit if they, or their partner, receive one of these qualifying DWP benefits:
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
- Universal Credit (depending on your earnings).
Free TV licence
Anyone aged 75 or older may be able to claim a free television licence, which is needed to watch live TV programming and stream BBC iPlayer.
However, state pensioners will also need to be in receipt of Pension Credit, a DWP benefit payment for those on low income.
Council tax discount
Depending on someone's age, income, savings, who they live with and how much they pay to the council, Britons could be entitled to a tax discount.
In some cases, pensioners could get a 100 per cent concession but this depends on a person's individual circumstances.
Social tariffs
Many broadband providers provide social tariff deals to customers on low incomes who are on means-tested benefits.
A recent survey by Uswitch found that 10 millions could save £234 a year by switching to one of these deals.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Older people are being urged to check their eligibility for extra support
GETTYFree insulation and boiler grants
Thanks to ECO initiative, homes across England, Scotland and Wales may be able to get free insulation as the Government attempts to lower energy consumption.
Older Britons who take advantage of this could see their property's value go up as a result.
Free bus pass
After someone reaches the state pension age, which is currently 66, they are eligible for a free bus pass.
Residents in London will be able to travel for free on buses, tubes and other transport when they hit 60, but only within the city.