State pensioners getting 12 freebies and discounts worth £8,931 before end of December

State pensioners are being handed a string of benefits worth THOUSANDS before the end of December. As well as Pension Credit, state pensioners can unlock gateway benefits and discounts as we head towards Christmas and the New Year.

Rachel Reeves' autumn budget confirmed a 4.1% increase in the state pension from April, equating to roughly £475 annually for those on the new State Pension. However, recent social media warnings suggested this could actually reduce pensioner's income by £130 a month.

At present, individuals can earn up to £12,570 annually before they are liable for income tax. Any earnings above this amount will incur a 20% income tax bill at the basic rate, while earnings over £50,000 will attract a 40% income tax bill at the higher rate and annual income over £125,140 is taxed at an additional 45% rate.

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Pension Credit - £3,900

Currently, Pension Credit provides 1.4m people across the UK - including over 125,000 in Scotland - with additional money to help with living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. It is a 'passport' benefit providing on average more than £3,900 each year in financial support, acting as a 'gateway' to Council Tax discounts, help with housing costs and NHS discounts along with free TV Licences for the over-75s.

The Pension Credit Calculator on the GOV. UK website is a useful tool for ensuring you or a family member are receiving all the financial support you're entitled to.

For further assistance, the Pension Credit helpline can be reached at 0800 99 1234.

Winter Fuel Payment - £300

If you're claiming a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit, this entitles you to a £300 Winter Fuel Payment These payments begin to be paid in December but it's not too late to backdate your claim to August.

Council Tax discount - £1,600

You could be eligible for a discount on your council tax, if you're on a low income or claim benefits. In some cases, your bill could even be reduced by up to 100%. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed or working.

Wherever you live, the amount of Council Tax Reduction you get depends on many factors, including:

• your age
• your income, including any benefits you receive
• your savings
• who you live with
• how much Council Tax you pay.

You may get more Council Tax Reduction if you receive a disability or carer's benefit - and if you receive the pension credit guarantee, you may be exempt from paying a penny at all!

Free TV Licence - £169.50

If you're over 75 and claiming Pension Credit, you can also knock £169.50 off your TV Licence bill, reducing it to zero.

Warm Home Discount - £150

Pension Credit also allows you to claim a Warm Homes Discount of £150. To apply for Pension Credit, ring 0800 991234, as many pensioners are still not claiming this benefit despite being eligible.

Attendance Allowance - £434

Paid at a rate of £72.65 per week for the lower rate or £108.55 per week higher, this would be worth about £434 in December alone. If you have a severe disability which means you require regular assistance day and night, you could claim the higher amount.

There are a total of 56 categories of conditions which could make you eligible.

Cold Weather Payment - £25

If the temperature where you live plummets to 0C or below for seven consecutive days, you'll be eligible for a cold weather payment. This is automatic if you're on an eligible benefit such as Pension Credit, Income Support or Universal Credit.

Free bus pass - £128

Once you reach the State Pension age in England, you're eligible for a free bus pass. If you're a London resident, you can travel for free on buses, tubes and other transport when you turn 60, but only within London. In Wales, you can get a bus pass when you hit 60.

On average, a person with a concessionary bus pass made 64 journeys in the year leading up to March 2023. This equates to an annual saving of £128, considering the current average bus ticket price of £2.

Free NHS prescriptions - £9.90

Pension Credit entitles you to help with free NHS prescriptions, which cost £9.90 per item in England. The charge applies to each different medicine or medical appliance.

Free eye care - up to £215

If you get any of the Guarantee element of Pension Credit then you will be entitled to get 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, depending on your prescription.

Free NHS dental treatment - up to £1,000

In England, you do not have to pay for NHS dental services if you’re under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education, pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist.

While most of these criteria don’t apply to pensioners, there is a lifeline if you happen to need dental care, and that is NHS support for people on low incomes. Under the scheme, you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you or your spouse (including civil partner) receive:

• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
• Universal Credit (depending on your earnings)

Housing Benefit - £1,000

If you rent your home and you get the Guarantee element of Pension Credit then you are also 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.