State pensioners could receive a financial boost this September, with households including a member receiving the state pension potentially eligible for up to £3,262 in freebies and discounts.
These benefits, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), are designed to help pensioners manage the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Alongside the weekly state pension payments, which currently support around 12.6 million Britons over the age of 66, retirees can also access various benefits, such as free dental treatment, a free TV licence, and discounts on council tax.
This comes as more than two million pensioners are reported to be living in poverty, a study from the charity Age UK estimates.
Here are eight freebies and discounts pensioners should be aware of, which could deliver up to £3,262 worth of savings.
Free TV Licence – savings of £169
Britons aged 75 and over who claim Pension Credit are entitled to a free TV licence, which can save a household £169 a year.
Those who have been paying for a TV Licence when they were eligible for a free one may be due a refund. TV Licensing said in these instances, it will process the refund as part of their application.
Council tax discount – savings up to £2,171
State pensioners may be entitled to a Council Tax discount, which can provide significant savings on their annual bills. Eligibility for this discount depends on factors such as income, living arrangements, and whether the pensioner lives alone or with others who are also exempt from paying Council Tax.
Those on a low income or receiving benefits like Pension Credit are more likely to qualify, and it’s worth checking with the local council to see what support is available. The amount of discount varies, but some people can qualify for as much as 100 percent off.
Social tariffs – savings of £234
A large number of broadband providers offer discounted social tariff products and according to Ofcom, prices currently range from £10 to £23 a month. The social tariffs are available for people on low incomes or receiving certain benefits, and work out significantly cheaper than usual deals.
People can use Ofcom’s tool to check if their current provider offers a social tariff. Most tariffs can be applied for online.
Free dental treatment – savings of £282
Britons can access free dental healthcare if they or their spouse receives certain benefits, which can save people hundreds of pounds a year. The benefits that qualify include:
- Universal Credit (depending on earnings)
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
- Income Support
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Free prescriptions – savings of £118
People aged 60 and over can get their prescriptions free from the NHS, which can make for a huge saving given this year’s price hike.
People can use this NHS tool to check more accurately if they qualify for the scheme, here.
If eligible, people can often get free medication at a pharmacy for minor illnesses, such as colds, coughs, eczema, and head lice, through the NHS minor ailments scheme, too.
Currently, the scheme is widely available across Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, but only in selected pharmacies across England. The medicines covered by the scheme can also be different depending on where the person lives, so it’s suggested people talk to their local pharmacy about what they offer.
Free bus pass – savings of £128
State pensioners are eligible for free bus travel across the country, which averages yearly savings of £128 based on the price of bus tickets and how often pensioners utilise the free tickets.
Meanwhile, residents in London have free access to public transport past the age of 60 including rides on buses, trains and the underground.
Water Bill discounts – savings of £160
Money Saving Expert (MSE) revealed 5.7 million households could save up to £160 a year on their water bills through social tariff support schemes.
These schemes are generally available to those that have a household income of less than £17,005 excluding benefits, or £21,749 if you live in a London Borough. People can find a list of all the social tariffs available, as well as how to apply, here.
Free insulation – savings of £1,000s
People may be able to get free or cheaper insulation to reduce their home’s energy bills through the Great British Insulation Scheme. Households might get support if their home:
- Has an energy performance certificate (EPC) of D to G – check EPC
- Is in Council Tax bands A to D in England or A to E in Scotland or Wales – check Council Tax band.
People can if they qualify for support by using the Government’s online tool.
