It comes at a time where state pensioners find themselves hard-up and struggling.
State pensioners are being handed 11 freebies and benefits ON TOP of their regular payments from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) in May. It comes at a time where state pensioners find themselves hard-up and struggling.
Rising costs, the Cost of Living crisis and the axing of key benefits like the Winter Fuel Allowance have sparked fury among pensioners. It has sparked a Labour Party backlash – with Reform claiming a byelection victory overnight.
One constituent told the Guardian newspaper: “The pensioners need winter fuel allowance back and if you look around the town we’ve got barbers, dodgy cigarette shops, charity shops everywhere.”
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Depending on your other income, you could get free TV licenses, Pensions Credit, help heating your home when it’s cold and even a discount on your council tax or water bill.
Here’s a list of all the extra benefits you can access this May.
Pension Credit – £908
Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single or your joint weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner. You may get extra amounts if you have other responsibilities and costs.
It is worth £908 a month.
The top up and extra amounts are known as ‘Guarantee Credit’. You might be eligible for the ‘Savings Credit’ part of Pension Credit if you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, and saved some money for retirement.
You might be able to use the Pension Credit calculator to get an estimate of how much you could get. Contact the Pension Service helpline if you’re not sure whether you’re eligible for extra amounts.
Free prescriptions – £120
Once you reach 60, you can get free prescriptions from your local pharmacy – prescriptions usually cost £9.90 each in England. So if you usually buy a single prescription each month you could save £119 over the year.
Prescription charge exemptions will also remain in place for those aged under 16 or aged 17 and 18 but in full time education, while those in receipt of certain benefits can also receive free prescriptions.
People on a low income who do not qualify for an automatic exemption can also seek help under the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Free NHS dental treatment – £26.80
If you claim Pension Credit you are entitled to free NHS dental treatment and can get help with the cost of glasses and transport to a hospital. Meanwhile, if you care for someone you might be able to claim an additional £45.60 a week, or £2,371.20 a year, which is known as Carer Addition.
Plus, if you have a disability you may get an extra amount known as Severe Disability Addition, which is worth up to £81.50 a week, or £4,238 a year.
Free eye tests – £30
All over-60s qualify for free NHS eye tests, which typically cost between £20 and £25. If you’re 60 or over you’re also entitled to a free NHS sight test, so you should let your optician know when you reach 60 if you haven’t already. Eye tests can usually cost between £20 and £30.
Free TV Licence – £174
Pensioners aged 75 and older who get Pension Credit also get a free TV licence. The full annual cost is £174 for a colour licence, but if you meet the eligibility criteria, you could enjoy your favourite shows at no cost.
Black and white licences normally cost just £57. You’ll also qualify if your partner who you live with receives Pension Credit.
Council Tax discounts – £191
Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) has the highest average Band D council tax rate amongst authorities covering a whole county, with a levy of £1,911.40 per year for 2025/26.
That works out at £191 a month across 10 months. Pensioners on low incomes or who get the Guarantee part of Pension Credit may qualify for a reduction in their council tax bill, with some eligible for a 100% discount.
Even if you don’t receive Pension Credit, your local council may offer reductions based on your income and savings.
Free bus passes – £988
In England, you can get a bus pass for free travel when you reach the State Pension age. Plus, if you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport when you’re 60 – but only within London.
An annual bus pass costs £988 in the capital.
Discounted broadband – £300
Most broadband companies have social tariffs, which are usually available to people who claim Pension Credit.
If you claim Universal Credit, Pension Credit or equivalent benefits, you may qualify for cheaper ‘social tariffs’. Money Saving Expert says: “Check below to see if your current provider already offers a social tariff or use our broadband comparison tool to see how they stack up against standard deals.
“The standard deals will generally have cheaper headline prices due to newbies’ sign-up incentives. So they usually win for regular switchers. Yet if you want to stick with a provider for more than a year or so, then social tariffs are likely to be the cheapest route.”
Discounted water bills – £300
Most water companies have social tariffs, which are usually available to people who claim Pension Credit.
If you don’t have a water meter, you’ll be charged a set amount for water and sewage services, regardless of how much water you actually use. This amount is based on your home’s rateable value.
If you have a water meter, you’ll be charged for the actual units of water you use. All properties built since 1990 have a water meter installed.
Royal Mail redirection – £48
If you move home while you are claiming Pension Credit then the Royal Mail will redirect your post for a discounted fee. You can get up to £48 off the cost of redirecting your post for 12 months if your household includes more than three adults.
Attendance Allowance – £5,644
Attendance allowance is a benefit for those who have reached state pension age and have certain health conditions. The benefit is designed to cover the extra costs associated with having a disability and is worth up to £5,644.60 a year.
Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested, so it doesn’t matter what you earn or how much you have in savings. It’s based purely on your disability or health condition and your care or supervision needs.
