After the Winter Fuel Payment was abolished, British Pensioners who receive the state pension have become more concerned about getting the most from the Department for Work and Pensions.
This payment used to be worth £300 but increased to £600 in recent years due to inflation. It is no longer given to all people who are over State Pension Age, just those claiming means tested benefit and Pension Credit. Pensioners can still take advantage of subsidy schemes that include these other discounts and freebies worth up to £11,600.
A Government spokesperson explained:
Full List of Discounts and Freebies Available to Pensioners
Pension Credit — £3,900
Pension Credit funds older people on low incomes above state pension age; some 800,000 out of 2.5 million eligible Britons do not claim it. No minimum pension qualification is a requirement for this aid. This supplement helps old folks meet living expenses each day by topping up their allowance with £218.15 (£332.95 for couples).
This year’s qualifying week runs from Monday, 16 September to Sunday, 22 September, during which time people must claim Pension Credit in order that they may qualify for their Winter Fuel Payment.
Attendance Allowance — £5,644
Attendance allowance supports those who are over the state pension age and need extra support because of poor health or disability. It comes in two parts, either £72.65 or £108.55 per week depending on one’s own circumstances, which means that it would total up to £434.20 every four weeks or even £5,644.60 in a year.
The lower rate is for those who require help during the day or night, while the higher rate is payable when someone needs to help both day and night, or they have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
National Insurance Cut — £1,394
When people reach state pension age, there is no need to pay any national insurance (NI) even if they are still working. This can result in significant savings being made. For example, an employee earning £30,000 per annum could save £1,394.40 in tax year 2024/25 assuming that the current NI threshold remains at£12,570 p.a.
Free Prescriptions — £119
Those aged below 16 years and above 59 years as well as full-time students who are between 16–18 years old are entitled to free prescriptions.
In addition, pregnant women; women who have just given birth having appeared at a doctor’s office within several months must also be exempted from this payment by their GP provided that such individuals receive certain benefits including:
- Income support
- Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Pension Credit guarantee credit
Universal Credit claimants can also qualify if they earned no more than £435 (£935 if they feature child elements or limited work capabilities).
Free Bus Pass — £128
People who have reached the age of 66 and are eligible for a state pension will be given free bus travel. In London, residents are entitled to free transport on various modes in the city when they turn 60.
Free TV Licence — £169
Older persons aged over seventy-five years get a TV licence at zero charge, which is necessary for watching live television and streaming iPlayer service by BBC. Nevertheless, this must be accompanied by the receipt of Pension Credit.
Discounted Rail Fare — £142
Senior Railcard allows elderly people to obtain subsidized railway tickets; it costs £30 annually or £70 for three years. With this card, they can save one third on all rail journeys, with average annual savings for cardholders being equal to £96.
Council Tax — £2,065
Age, income, savings, household composition and council tax payments determine council tax discounts. Certain senior citizens may not pay anything depending on how life has treated them. The mean band D council tax in 2023/24 was £2065 showing an increase of 5.1% from the previous year’s rates.
