State pensioners in the UK can claim nine freebies and discounts from the Government in August, worth up to £14,289.10 for eligible households. The financial support is available through Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits aimed at helping people cope with the rising cost of living.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is the main benefit behind much of the support. It is available to pensioners on a low income in England, Scotland and Wales, and is paid separately from the State Pension. According to the DWP, the benefit is worth £4,300 per year on average and can top up weekly income to £238 for a single person or £363.25 for a couple.
Pension Credit also acts as a gateway to other help, including Council Tax discounts, assistance with housing and NHS treatment costs, and free TV licences for people aged 75 and over.
Falling Applications
Latest DWP statistics show a 34% decrease in Pension Credit applications in the 2025/26 financial year compared with the previous year, meaning many pensioners could be missing out on support they are entitled to.
New Prime Minister Andy Burnham inherits the current Pension Credit system from Sir Keir Starmer and former Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Burnham has vowed to lead a “cost of living government”, making a major overhaul of the benefit unlikely. Any changes would not be announced until the Autumn Budget in late October or early November.
Expert Comment
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.”
The Nine Freebies and Discounts
Eligible pensioners could receive the following support in August.
Pension Credit – £4,300
Following a 4.8% uplift on April 6, Pension Credit now tops up weekly income to £238 for a single person or joint weekly income to £363.25 for a couple. To qualify, you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age. The DWP says it is now worth an average of £4,300 per year.
Housing Benefit – £1,000
If you rent your home and receive the Guarantee element of Pension Credit, you can claim the maximum Housing Benefit from your local council. The amount varies, but Martin Lewis's Money Saving Expert 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 who claims Pension Credit can get the annual TV Licence fee reduced to £0. As of April 1, the fee is £180, up from £174.50 in 2025. For households with a black and white TV, the fee is now £60.50, up from £58.50.
Council Tax Discount – £1,600
Pension Credit claimants can get a reduction on their Council Tax bill. The amount depends on the local council, ranging from about £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
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, prescriptions are free for everyone. In England, charges apply in some cases, but the NHS prescription charge is frozen at £9.90 for the 2026/27 tax year. An NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate remains at £32.05 for three months, or £114.50 for 12 months. 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 receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you are also entitled to free NHS prescriptions in England, and this covers your partner if they are included in the claim.
Free Eye Care – up to £215
Those receiving the Guarantee element of Pension Credit are entitled to help with NHS eye care, including a voucher for glasses or contact lenses. According to Martin Lewis's MSE, this could be worth up to £215, depending on the prescription.
Free NHS Dental Treatment – up to £1,000
Pensioners qualifying for the Guarantee element of Pension Credit are also entitled to free NHS dental treatment, from a simple check-up to full dentures. MSE says 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 when moving house. The service normally costs £87 for up to 12 months for a single adult household, but the concessionary rate with Pension Credit is £62, giving a saving of £25.
Applications for Pension Credit can be started up to four months before reaching State Pension age and at any time after. Claims can be backdated by three months. Applications can be made online via GOV.UK or by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Attendance Allowance – up to £5,959.20
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough to need someone to help look after you. From April 6, it is worth £76.90 per week at the lower rate or £114.60 per week at the higher rate. If you have a severe disability requiring assistance day and night, you could claim the higher amount. Around 56 categories of conditions could make you eligible. The higher rate is worth up to £5,959.20 per year.
