Eligible state pensioners across the UK stand to save up to £14,289.10 if they claim all nine freebies and discounts on offer from the Government. The funds are accessible via a range of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits designed to assist households with the rising cost of living.
Household budgets are already feeling the squeeze following a raft of bill increases earlier this year in April, covering mobile, broadband, water and Council Tax, while energy prices are set to climb by 13 per cent from today (Wednesday, July 1), adding an extra £221 per year to bills. The rise in Ofgem's price cap will amount to roughly £18 per month in additional costs for the average household using both electricity and gas, following a spike in global energy prices triggered by conflict in the Middle East.
Pension Credit: The Gateway Benefit
Pension Credit offers pensioners on a low income additional funds to assist with everyday living costs. Following a 4.8 per cent uprating in April, it is now worth an average of £4,300 per year according to the DWP. However, the benefit also serves as a gateway to further financial assistance, providing access to a range of freebies and discounts worth approximately £14,289.10 on average, reports the Express.
Commenting on the benefits of claiming Pension Credit, 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)."
She added: "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."
Nine Freebies and Discounts Available This Month
Below are the nine freebies and discounts pensioners could claim this month, with total potential savings of up to £14,289.10.
Pension Credit - £4,300
Following a 4.8 per cent uplift on April 6, Pension Credit now brings your weekly income to £238 if you're single or your joint weekly income to £363.25 if you have a partner. You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify. According to the DWP, it is now worth an average of £4,300 per year.
Housing Benefit - £1,000
If you rent your home and receive the Guarantee element of Pension Credit, you are eligible for the maximum Housing Benefit entitlement from your local council. This amount isn't fixed, but Martin Lewis' MSE says you could get around £1,000 per year, and potentially have your rent covered in full.
Free TV Licence - £180
Anyone aged 75 and over and claiming Pension Credit can get £180 off their TV Licence bill, reducing it to £0. As of April 1, the annual fee is £180, up from £174.50 in 2025. For households with a black and white TV set, the annual fee is now £60.50.
Council Tax discount - £1,600
Pension Credit claimants can receive a Council Tax discount. The precise amount varies depending on your local council, but it can range from around £300 for a 25 per cent reduction on a typical Band D bill to as much as £1,600 for a full 100 per cent discount.
Free NHS prescriptions - £9.90
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are already free for everyone, but in England, charges apply. The NHS prescription charge will remain frozen at £9.90 for the 2026/27 tax year. However, free prescriptions are available in England to children under 16, young people aged 16 to 18 in full-time education, and adults aged 60 or over. Furthermore, if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you are also entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you live in England. This entitlement extends to your partner if they are included in your claim.
Free eye care - up to £215
If you receive any of the Guarantee element of Pension Credit, you are entitled to assistance 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 are eligible for the Guarantee element of Pension Credit are also entitled to free NHS dental treatment, covering everything from a routine check-up to full dentures. According to Martin Lewis' MSE, this could amount to as much as £1,000 worth of free treatment annually.
Royal Mail redirection discount - £25
Pension Credit claimants are entitled to a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service when moving home. The service ordinarily costs £87 for up to 12 months for a single adult household, however those receiving Pension Credit will pay a concessionary rate of £62 - representing a saving of £25.
Attendance Allowance - up to £5,959.20
Attendance Allowance assists with additional costs if you have a disability severe enough to require personal care. As of April 6, it is worth £76.90 per week at the lower rate or £114.60 per week at the higher rate. Those with a severe disability requiring regular assistance both day and night may be eligible to claim the higher amount, with around 56 categories of conditions potentially qualifying. Should you receive the higher rate, this could be worth up to £5,959.20 per year.
You can begin an application for Pension Credit up to four months before reaching State Pension age and at any point thereafter, though your application can only be backdated by three months. You can apply online via GOV.UK or by ringing the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
