Pensioners facing the cost of living crisis can claim a range of freebies and financial support, including NHS prescriptions, eye tests, dental check-ups and council tax reductions. Some of these are available based on age alone, while others require you to be in receipt of certain benefits.
Triple lock changes and pension shortfall
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced proposals to remove the annual earnings link from the triple lock from 2030, following the next scheduled general election. Instead, the link would monitor average earnings over time, in what the PM has termed an "adjusted triple lock".
The full new state pension stands at £241.30 per week, or £12,547.60 annually. However, industry body Pensions UK estimates a single person now requires £13,900 per year for a minimum retirement living standard, or £22,500 for a couple. For a comfortable retirement, which would include foreign holidays and additional discretionary income, the figure rises to £45,400 annually for a single person, or £62,700 for a couple.
Free NHS prescriptions and eye tests
In England, NHS prescriptions are free for anyone aged 60 or over. A standard prescription currently costs £9.90 per item in England, while prescriptions remain free for all residents in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Those aged 60 and over in England and Wales are also entitled to free NHS eye tests, typically available every two years, or more frequently should your optician deem it necessary. A private eye test generally costs between £20 and £25. In Scotland, eye tests are free for all residents.
Dental check-ups and TV licence
Those claiming the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit are eligible for free dental check-ups. A standard NHS dental check-up in England typically costs £27.40. In Wales, over-60s receive free dental check-ups, while in Scotland they are free for everyone. Charges may still apply for any subsequent treatment required.
Pension Credit claimants aged 75 or over are entitled to a free TV licence, which otherwise costs £180 per year. Prior to 2020, all those aged over 75 qualified for a free licence, but the rules were tightened to require claimants to be in receipt of Pension Credit.
Benefits and travel support
Certain benefits are exclusively accessible to those who have reached state pension age, which currently stands at 66 for both men and women, though this is set to rise to 67. Attendance Allowance is available to those who have reached state pension age and require additional assistance or supervision owing to a disability or illness. It is worth £76.70 per week for those who need help or supervision during the day or at night, rising to £114.60 per week for those who require assistance throughout both day and night, or who are nearing the end of their life.
Pension Credit is also available, topping up your weekly income to £238 if you are single, or to £363.25 if you are part of a couple.
In England, you can obtain a free bus pass upon reaching state pension age. Those living in London can travel at no cost on buses, tubes and other forms of transport within the capital from the age of 60. In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, a free bus pass is available to anyone aged over 60.
Energy bill help and council tax discounts
A range of energy support schemes exist for pensioners. The Winter Fuel Payment is worth up to £300 and is issued to all those who have reached state pension age. However, those earning above £35,000 will have the Winter Fuel Payment reclaimed by HMRC through the tax system. The Warm Home Discount is also available, offering £150 off your electricity bill to those receiving Pension Credit or on a low income.
You might qualify for a council tax discount if you receive certain benefits such as Pension Credit. The average B and D council tax set by local authorities in England stands at £2,392. In certain circumstances, you could be eligible for 100% off your bill.
