State pensioners can access nine freebies and discounts worth an estimated £14,288 in July. These benefits, provided by the NHS, Royal Mail, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), come as the country faces a change in government, with Andy Burnham widely expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Burnham has promised cost of living help, outlining a vision for “good growth in every postcode” and a transfer of power from Whitehall to local communities.
Pension Credit – £4,300
Pension Credit tops up income for those who have reached State Pension age and have a low income. Four out of 10 eligible people fail to claim it, according to the DWP. Guarantee Pension Credit ensures a minimum income, with higher amounts for carers, disabled people, or those with certain housing costs. Savings Pension Credit, being phased out, is available only to those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
Housing Benefit – £1,000
Housing Benefit is means-tested, depending on income, savings, household composition, rent, and number of rooms. Those receiving the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit may have their rent paid in full, as income and savings are not taken into account.
Free TV Licence – £180
Pensioners aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit can get a free TV licence. The licence covers everyone at the address. Applications can be made from age 74 if already on Pension Credit. The free licence starts the month after the 75th birthday.
Council Tax discount – £1,600
Council Tax Reduction helps those on a low income pay part or all of their Council Tax. Pension Credit claimants may qualify, with discounts ranging from around £300 for a 25% reduction on a typical Band D bill up to £1,600 for a full 100% discount. Application is required through the local council.
Free NHS prescriptions – £9.90
Pension Credit claimants are entitled to free NHS prescriptions, which cost £9.90 per item in England. They may also receive vouchers for milk, infant formula, fruit, vegetables, and pulses, plus help with travel costs for NHS treatment.
Free eye care – up to £215
Those receiving any amount of the Guarantee element of Pension Credit qualify for NHS help with eye care, including free eye tests and vouchers for glasses or contact lenses. According to MoneySavingExpert, this support could be worth up to £215 depending on prescription. War pension recipients can claim back sight test costs for accepted disabilities by calling 0808 1914 218.
Free NHS dental treatment – up to £1,000
Pensioners qualifying for the Guarantee element of Pension Credit can receive free NHS dental treatment, estimated by MoneySavingExpert to be worth up to £1,000 a year. Those on a low income can apply for full or partial help with NHS charges via form HC1, available from NHS hospitals, dentists, opticians, and pharmacies, or by phoning 0300 123 0849. Asylum seekers supported by the government automatically receive HC2 certificates.
Royal Mail redirection discount – £24
Pension Credit claimants get a discount on Royal Mail’s redirection service when moving home. The standard cost is £84, but the discount reduces it by £24.
Attendance Allowance – up to £5,959
Attendance Allowance helps with care costs for those who have reached State Pension age and have a disability or long-term illness. It is tax-free and does not depend on income, savings, or National Insurance contributions. The higher rate of £114.60 per week amounts to £5,959 annually. Claiming Attendance Allowance may help carers qualify for benefits like Carer's Allowance and does not reduce other benefits; it may even increase them.
