State pensioners across the UK can boost their income by up to £14,439.10 from October with 10 freebies and discounts from the Government.
The money is available through several Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits designed to support struggling pensioners with the rising cost of living, potentially giving those who are eligible a financial boost worth thousands of pounds.
Pension Credit as a gateway benefit
The bulk of the financial support comes from the DWP benefit Pension Credit, which is available to pensioners on a low income in England, Scotland and Wales, and is paid separately to the State Pension. The benefit is worth £4,300 per year on average, according to the DWP, and can top up your weekly income to £238 if you're single, or £363.25 if you have a partner.
But it also unlocks access to a swathe of other financial perks, including a Council Tax discount, Housing Benefit, and free TV licences if you're over 75.
According to the latest DWP statistics, the 2025 to 2026 financial year saw a 34% decrease in Pension Credit applications compared with the previous year, suggesting that many pensioners are still missing out on support to which they are entitled.
What pensioners can claim
Pension Credit - £4,300: Following a 4.8% uplift on April 6, Pension Credit now tops up 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.
Housing Benefit - £1,000: If 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.
Free TV Licence - £180: Anyone aged 75 and over and claiming Pension Credit can get £180 off their TV Licence bill, cutting it down to £0. As of April 1, the annual fee is £180, up from £174.50 in 2025.
Council Tax discount - £1,600: Pension 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 NHS prescriptions - £9.90: 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. If you get the Guarantee Credit element Pension Credit, you're also entitled to free NHS prescriptions if you live in England.
Free eye care - up to £215: If 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.
Free NHS dental treatment - up to £1,000: Pensioners 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 - £25: Pension Credit claimants are entitled to a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you're moving house. The service normally costs £87 for up to 12 months for a single adult household, but you'll pay a concessionary rate of £62 if you get Pension Credit - giving you a saving of £25.
Warm Home Discount - £150: The Warm Home Discount Scheme reopens in October and provides eligible households a £150 discount off their electricity bills. In England and Wales, low income pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit will be eligible, as well as households getting Housing Benefit, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and Universal Credit.
Attendance Allowance - up to £5,959.20: Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you and in the 2026 to 2027 tax year, it's worth £76.90 per week if you get the lower rate or £114.60 per week if you get the higher rate. If you get the higher rate this could be worth up to £5,959.20 per year.
Expert advice and how to apply
Explaining the perks 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).
“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.”
You can start an application for Pension Credit up to four months before you reach State Pension age and any time after, but your application can only be backdated by three months. You can apply online via GOV.UK or by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
