State pensioners being handed seven freebies worth £6,578 before end of November

State pensioners could be missing out on £2,600 in benefits and freebies this winter. State pensioners could be eligible for seven additional benefits this winter, totalling £2,678.50, but they'll need to take action to claim their share.

Age UK says the Warm Homes Discount - worth £150 - can be claimed, as well as £25 Cold Weather Payments, and Pension Credit too. The Warm Home Discount scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and officially opens today. You should receive a letter in the post starting from today - but for some people, it may take up until mid-December to be contacted.

You'll receive the £150 as a one-off discount that is applied directly to your electricity bill, as opposed to a bank payment, or if you have a traditional prepayment meter, you'll be given a top-up voucher. If you're a dual fuel customer, you can ask your energy supplier if it is possible to have the discount applied to your gas bill instead.

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Cold Weather Payment - £25

The Cold Weather Payments is not exclusive to pensioners but it is an automatic payment if you’re claiming Pension Credit, Income Support, Universal Credit or a few other qualifying benefits. This £25 payment is triggered if your postcode experiences temperatures at zero degrees Celsius or lower for seven consecutive days.

Pension Credit - £3900

Pension Credit, which is specifically designed to provide additional financial support for older people on a low income - both singles and couples - is the most under-claimed benefit. Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain are currently receiving this means-tested benefit that could offer nearly £4,000 in extra support during the coming year.

There are two types of Pension Credit - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be State Pension age (66). Your weekly income will need to be less than the minimum amount the UK Government says you need to live on.

Attendance Allowance - £434

When it comes to DWP benefits, some are specifically available to those above state pension age, including Attendance Allowance. Despite its name, you don't need a carer to qualify for this benefit, which offers up to £434 a month to cover the extra costs of living with a disability.

The rate varies depending on how much help you need from others or medical aids, and there are 56 eligible condition categories.

Winter Fuel Payment - £300

Many people have recently become aware of Pension Credit, which can provide up to £3,900, thanks to new Winter Fuel Payment eligibility rules. However, Pension Credit also serves as a "gateway" to other benefits, freebies, and support, such as the £200 or £300 Winter Fuel Payment.

Council tax discount - up to £1600

Additionally, Age UK notes that many pensioners may be eligible for Council Tax discounts if they're on a low income or claiming certain benefits, with potential discounts ranging from £300 to £1,600 per year, depending on the local council.

TV licence - £169

Pensioners aged 75 and over who claim Pension Credit can also bag free TV licences, pocketing a saving of £169.50 annually. But the perks don't end there.- If you've been eligible for a free TV licence but didn't know, you could be in line for a refund on your licence fees. This will be worked out as part of your application to the TV Licensing authority.