Brits who have reached the state pension age can claim under various schemes from companies and the UK government.
As the cost of living crisis rages on, you must take advantage of every possible free source of income on offer to you.
From TV licenses to healthcare and travel, we have rounded up all the free benefits available.
According to Unbiased.com, these are the all benefits currently on offer to UK pensioners and those over 60.
Was out with a pal last night…
— Marina Purkiss (@MarinaPurkiss) April 11, 2024
His mum is in her 70s
Benefitted from property boom
Lives in a £1.6m house with substantial savings/pension
Still receives her triple locked state pension & winter fuel allowance
And even she doesn’t understand why
We need to talk about this. pic.twitter.com/IBcgOrsjUP
State pension benefits
In the UK, both men and women are eligible to begin claiming their state pension at the age of 66.
Free eye tests and dental care
In the UK, everyone over the age of 60 gets free prescriptions and NHS eye tests.
You can also get free NHS dental treatment if you’re over 60 and claim pension guarantee credits or other benefits if you’re under state pension age.
Other benefits
There are several ways to access financial support to help with disabilities, whether you’re disabled or you live with someone who has additional needs.
Here are some of the most commonly claimed care-related benefits:
Attendance Allowance – If you’re above state pension age and need someone’s help to look after yourself, you can claim Attendance Allowance.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – To help cover the extra costs associated with living independently with a disability.
Carer’s Allowance – If you spend a significant amount of time looking after someone else, you could claim Carer’s Allowance, regardless of your age and whether you live with them.
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Free TV license
You can only get a free TV licence if you, or someone else in your household, is over 75 and claiming pension guarantee credits.
You don't need a TV licence if you never watch live on any channel, TV service or streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer.
Discounts on public transport
If you’re above state pension age in England, or over 60 in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can apply for a free bus pass.
In most parts of England, you can travel for free on buses from the state pension age. You can also travel for free on some ferries and trains in Wales and Scotland once you reach the age of 60.
There are exceptions to this rule though, such as London’s 60+ Oyster photocard that allows you to travel for free on buses, tubes, trams and the Overground from age 60.
What else are pensioners entitled to?
- Help pay bills
- Winter Fuel Payment.
- Housing Benefit.
- TV licence concessions.
- Cold Weather Payment.
- Warm Home Discount.
- Council Tax Reduction.
- Public transport concessions.
- Help with urgent or one-off expenses.
If you're unsure, check with your local council.
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