State pensioners could be eligible for up to £8,880 in freebie benefits from DWP - full list of support
Britons react to state pension triple lock being under threat
GB NEWS
State pensioners will be able to access freebies and discounts worth up to £8,827 this year if they meet certain eligibility criteria, following a new reminder from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The substantial package of benefits includes Pension Credit worth up to £4,200 per year, alongside various other financial support measures designed to help those aged 66 and over on low incomes.
Here is a full list of the freebie benefits pensioners could claim this month to boost their retirement income:
- Pension Credit - £4,200
- Housing Benefit - £1,000
- Council Tax discount - £1,600
- Free TV Licence - £169.50
- Heating bills discount - £150
- Free NHS prescriptions - £9.90
- Free eye care - up to £215
- Free NHS dental treatment - up to £1,000
- Royal Mail redirection discount - £24
- Cold Weather Payment - £25
- Attendance Allowance - £434.
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11 freebie benefits are up for grabs for state pensioners
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The DWP has urged pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which not only provides direct financial support but also unlocks access to additional benefits.
These additional benefits include housing support, Council Tax reductions, help with energy bills and discounted NHS treatment costs. The reminder comes as many pensioners face financial pressures following the expensive Christmas period.
Pension Credit provides essential financial support, topping up weekly income to £218.15 for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples.This benefit, worth an average of £4,200 per year, serves as a gateway to numerous other forms of financial assistance.
To be eligible, claimants must be aged 66 or over and on a low income. The DWP emphasises that Pension Credit is a crucial benefit that many eligible pensioners may be missing out on.
The DWP is reminding pensioners of the support they coulda access
GettyOnce approved for Pension Credit, recipients automatically become eligible for additional support including housing benefits, Council Tax reductions, and various NHS-related discounts.
The benefit acts as a passport to further financial assistance, potentially unlocking thousands of pounds worth of additional support for eligible pensioners. Housing-related benefits form a significant portion of the available support, with Housing Benefit offering up to £1,000 annually for those who rent their homes.
Those receiving the guarantee element of Pension Credit may be eligible for maximum Housing Benefit entitlement from their local council. Council tax support provides substantial savings, with discounts ranging from 25 per cent to 100 per cent of the bill, potentially worth up to £1,600.
For those aged 75 and over claiming Pension Credit, a free TV licence worth £169.50 is available. The TV licence benefit reduces the usual annual fee to zero, providing complete relief from this household expense.
These housing-related benefits can significantly reduce living costs for eligible pensioners, with the combined value of these three benefits potentially reaching £2,769.50. Health-related benefits provide substantial support for Pension Credit recipients, with free NHS prescriptions saving £9.90 per item in England.
Free NHS dental treatment offers significant value, worth up to £1,000 annually, covering everything from check-ups to full dentures. Eye care support includes vouchers for glasses or contact lenses, potentially worth up to £215 depending on prescription requirements.
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Pension Credit can be claimed by phone, online or by post ALAMYThese health benefits are automatically available to those receiving the Guarantee element of Pension Credit. The combined value of these healthcare-related benefits could amount to over £1,200 annually, helping pensioners manage essential medical costs.
Free prescriptions, dental care, and eye care support form a comprehensive package designed to ensure pensioners can access necessary healthcare without financial burden.
Additional support measures include the Warm Home Discount scheme, providing £150 off electricity bills for Pension Credit recipients. The discount is automatically applied by electricity suppliers, with a deadline of March 31, 2025.
Cold Weather Payments of £25 are available when temperatures drop to 0C or below for seven consecutive days. Attendance Allowance provides extra support for those needing care assistance, offering £72.65 weekly for the lower rate or £108.55 for the higher rate.
Pension Credit claimants can also benefit from a Royal Mail redirection service discount, reducing the usual £84 fee to £60. These additional benefits, including the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payment, and Attendance Allowance, could provide substantial extra support worth hundreds of pounds annually.
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