January is always a tough month financially after the expensive Christmas period, but looking to boost the coffers this month can get their hands on a wealth of freebies and discounts to the tune of £8,827.40.
The (DWP) issued a reminder to pensioners this week to apply for , as they could be missing out on thousands of pounds worth of support.
The benefit provides extra cash to those aged 66 and over on a low income and is worth up to £4,200 per year on average, but as an added bonus it also unlocks a huge array of other discounts and payments. This includes things like housing benefit, Council Tax discounts, energy bill help and discounted NHS treatment costs.
So, if you're in need of a financial boost in February, it's well worth checking what benefits you're eligible for any of the following, as you could get up to £8,827.40 worth of financial support.
Pension Credit - £4,200Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you're single, or your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner, and is worth £4,200 per year on average. It also unlocks several other benefits, so if you qualify you could also get:
Housing Benefit - £1,000If you rent your home and you get the Guarantee element of Pension Credit then you're eligible for the maximum Housing Benefit entitlement from your local council. This isn't a fixed amount, but Martin Lewis' MSE says you could get around £1,000 per year, and potentially have your rent paid in full.
Council Tax discount - £1,600Pension Credit claimants can get a council tax discount. The exact amount you'll get depends on your local council, but it can be anything from around £300 for a 25% reduction on a typical Band D bill up to around £1,600 for a 100% discount.
Free TV Licence - £169.50Anyone aged 75 and over and claiming Pension Credit can get £169.50 off their TV Licence bill, cutting it down to £0.
Heating bills discount - £150Pension Credit entitles you to help with heating costs through the DWP's Warm Home Discount scheme, which knocks £150 off your electricity bill. The discount is automatically applied by your electricity supplier by March 31, 2025.
Free NHS prescriptions - £9.90Claiming Pension Credit will also entitle you to free NHS prescriptions, which cost £9.90 per item in England.
Free eye care - up to £215If you get any of the Guarantee element of Pension Credit then you are entitled to help 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 £1,000Pensioners who qualify for the Guarantee element of Pension Credit are also entitled to free NHS dental treatment, including anything from a simple check up to full dentures. According to Martin Lewis' MSE this could amount to up to £1,000 worth of free treatment per year.
Royal Mail redirection discount - £24Pension Credit claimants are entitled to a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you're moving house. The service normally costs £84, but you'll only have to pay £60 - giving you a saving of £24.
Cold Weather Payment - £25If the temperature where you live drops to 0C or below for seven consecutive days, you'll be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment. This is automatic if you're on an eligible benefit such as Pension Credit, Income Support or Universal Credit.
Attendance Allowance - £434Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you and is worth £72.65 per week for the lower rate or £108.55 per week for the higher rate.
