State pensioners are set to receive nine freebies and handouts from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in June, worth more than £7,000. Thanks to the benefits department, pensioners could enjoy a series of freebies and perks.
The state pension is currently valued at up to £230.25 per week for those on the New State Pension (claimed after 6 April 2016), or £176.45 each week for the Basic State Pension (Category A or B).
In addition to this, you can receive Pension Credit – and eight other benefits. If you live with a partner and one of you is of pension age and the other is not yet of pension age, benefit entitlements can be complex.
Once you have reached State Pension age, you are no longer able to make new claims for benefits like Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP). It’s vital to be aware of what you are entitled to, reports Birmingham Live.
Free prescriptions – £145
Upon turning 60, prescriptions are free across England, Scotland, and Wales. If you need regular prescriptions and purchase an annual prepayment certificate, you can save up to £114.50 annually.
All over-60s qualify for free NHS eye tests, which typically cost between £20 and £25. You should schedule a check-up once a year. As well as testing your eyesight, it also checks overall eye health.
Free dental treatment – £282
NHS dental services are free of charge 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 (but you may have to pay for any dentures or bridges).
They are also free if you are receiving low income benefits, or if you’re under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving low income benefits.
Free TV Licence – £174
If you’re 75 or over and you receive Pension Credit you can claim a free TV licence, saving you £174.50 a year.
Council tax discount – up to £2,280
The average Band D council tax set by local authorities in England for 2025-26 will be £2,280, which is an increase of £109 or 5 percent on the 2024-25 figure of £2,171. This includes all precepts including adult social care and parish precepts.
Of the 384 authorities that were subject to referendum principles, 294 authorities used the maximum flexibility available to them and 56 were close to the maximum. Eight authorities either made no change or decreased their average Band D council tax.
In 2025-26, 147 adult social care authorities have utilised all and the remaining 6 have used some of their adult social care precept flexibility when setting their council tax. The maximum flexibility is 2 percent.
This additional flexibility accounts for £34 of the average Band D council tax bill.
Social tariffs – £234
Several broadband providers offer social tariffs, assisting those on benefits to secure an internet connection for a significantly reduced monthly cost. Social tariffs provide a more affordable way for individuals receiving Universal Credit or other financial support to access broadband services.
These tariffs are considerably less expensive than standard rates and tailored specifically for qualifying customers, making internet service more accessible at typical monthly charges.
Uswitch has recently discovered that about two-thirds of households in financial difficulty are not aware of the existence of low-income broadband tariffs. Approximately ten million homes could potentially make a saving of up to £234 annually, which works out at nearly £20 a month by opting for cheaper broadband plans.
Discounted water bills might also be available to approximately 5.7 million households, potentially slicing their annual water expenses by as much as £160. Water suppliers offer these discounts through social tariff initiatives. Every water company provides one such scheme.
The Money Saving Expert team highlighted: “Every water company (in England and Wales) has a social tariff scheme for those on low incomes which can lower bills or cap what you pay. Many firms have just updated their criteria for 2024 – to see if you qualify.”
For UK nationals born on or before September 2, 1929, obtaining a passport won’t incur the usual fee, saving up to £94.50. Nevertheless, should one need expedited processing, the fast track option incurs a charge.
Free bus pass – £128
In England, you’re eligible for a free bus pass when you reach the State Pension age. For those living in London, free travel on buses, tubes and other modes of transport is available from the age of 60, but only within London.
In Wales, you can obtain a bus pass once you turn 60. The average individual with a concessionary bus pass undertook 64 journeys in the year leading up to March 2023. This equates to an annual saving of £128, given that the average bus ticket currently costs £2.
Pension Credit – £3,900
This benefit boosts the income of pensioners on lower earnings. It will increase weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single or joint income to £332.95.
The exact value will depend on your income but the DWP states that the average reward is worth more than £3,900 annually.
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