As a slew of bill hikes take effect in April, state pensioners can make life easier for themselves with 10 freebies and discounts that could add up to as much as £13,000 a year.
As Ofgem raises its price cap from £1,738 to £1,849 a year, families on a standard variable tariff in England, Wales and Scotland face a 6.4 per cent increase in energy bills starting on Tuesday, which is on average an extra £111 a year.
Here are 10 freebies that some older people may not have realised they are entitled to.
Pension credit – up to £4,300
People in England, Scotland or Wales who are 66 and over and on a low income can apply for pension credit. The standard minimum guarantee for pension credit will increase by 4.1 per cent as of April 6. The single weekly cost will rise from £218.15 to £227.10 and the joint weekly rate will rise from £332.95 to £364.60 under the new rates.
Thus those on the combined rate will receive an additional £31.65 per week and people on the single rate will receive an additional £8.95 per week. This will give single people £465.40 more a year, while couples who earn a weekly income together will benefit from £1,645.80 more annually.
Attendance allowance – up to £5,740.80
Attendance allowance, which is worth £73.90 per week at the lower rate starting on April 6 or £110.40 per week at the higher rate, assists with additional expenses for people with a disability severe enough that they require assistance with care.
People may be eligible for the larger amount if they have a serious disability that necessitates constant help day and night. The eligibility list contains 56 types of conditions. This may be worth up to £5,740.80 annually for those on the higher rate.
Council tax discount – £1,600
Those claiming pension credit are eligible for a council tax rebate.
Local councils will determine the precise amount, which can range from about £300 for a 25 per cent reduction on a standard Band D bill to about £1,600 for a 100 per cent reduction.
Housing benefit – £1,000
Tenants can receive the maximum amount of housing benefit from their local councils if they receive the guarantee part of pension credit. There is no set amount for this but the extra could amount to £1,000 a year and be enough to cover the rent in full. Being on the guarantee part of pension credit means income and savings are not assessed as part of the housing benefit claim.
NHS dental treatment – up to £1,000
Free NHS dental care, ranging from a basic examination to complete dentures, is available to pensioners who meet the requirements for the guarantee component of pension credit. Money Saving Expert’s Martin Lewis estimates that this might translate into up to £1,000 in annual free treatment.
NHS eye care – up to £250
People receiving the guarantee portion of pension credit are eligible for NHS eye care care, including a voucher for glasses or contact lenses. Depending on what prescription they have, this could be worth up to £215, according to Martin Lewis.
Free TV licence – £174.50
People who are 75 years of age or older and receive pension credit get a free TV licence, which otherwise would cost £174.50.
Heating bills discount – £150
Through the DWP’s Warm Home Discount programme, which deducts £150 from electricity bills, people can receive assistance with heating expenses if they are on pension credit. Electricity providers will automatically apply the discount by March 31, 2025.
Cold weather payment – £25
A cold weather payment can be issued if the local temperature falls to 0C or lower for seven days in a row to those receiving an eligible benefit, such as universal credit, income support or pension credit. This is usually paid automatically.
Royal Mail redirection discount – £24
Pension credit claimants who are moving are eligible for a £24 discount on the Royal Mail redirection service, which will cost £60 instead of the usual £84.