Nine DWP benefits and discounts all state pensioners need to know about

The scrapping of the Winter Fuel Payment has increased the urgency for state pensioners to make the most of all benefits available from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Previously, Winter Fuel Payments could reach up to £600 during the cost of living crisis, but now only those on means-tested benefits and Pension Credit will qualify.

However, pensioners might still be eligible for additional financial support, discounts, and benefits that could total up to £11,600.

A spokesperson for the Government said: “This Government is committed to pensioners – protecting the triple lock, keeping energy bills low through our Warm Homes Plan, and cutting NHS waiting lists bringing real stability to people’s lives. We said we would be honest with the public and, given the dire state of the public finances we have inherited, this government must take difficult decisions to fix the foundations of the economy.”

READ MORE: His selfish and reckless decision on the M62 was ‘simply beyond belief’

“In these circumstances, it is right that Winter Fuel Payments are targeted at those in most need, and we will work with Local Authorities to increase the uptake of Pension Credit, reaching the many pensioners who could still benefit from this year’s winter fuel payments. “

Pension credit

This benefit is the main one for Brits over the state pension age who have a low income and around 800,000 eligible people are not claiming it, Birmingham Live reports. You do not need to be claiming the state pension to be eligible for the money.

The extra cash aims to help older Brits cover day to day living costs. If you’re eligible to claim it, your weekly income will be topped up to £218.15 a week, or to £332.95 if you’re in a couple. To qualify for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment, you need to be claiming Pension Credit during the “qualifying week.” This year’s qualifying week is Monday, September 16 until Sunday, September 22.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a benefit paid to people over state pension age who need extra help because of an illness or disability. There are two different rates that can be paid – £72.65 or £108.55 a week – depending on your personal circumstances.

This means you could get up to £434.20 every four weeks, or £5,644.60 a year. The lower rate is awarded to those who need help during the day or at night, while the higher rate is for those who need help during the day and at night, or who are terminally ill.

National Insurance cut

When you’ve reached state pension age, you no longer pay National Insurance (NI), even if you’re still working which can make for a decent saving in retirement. The threshold for NI payments is currently £12,570 a year for employed workers. If you’re earning £30,000 a year you would save £1,394.40 in the 2024/25 tax year.

Free prescriptions

You are entitled to free medicines if you’re under 16 or over 59 or you’re in full-time education and 16-18 years old, you’re pregnant or gave birth in the last 12 months, and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (known as a ‘MatEx’) or you or your partner receive income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, or pension credit guarantee credit.

You also qualify if you are receiving universal credit and your earnings for the most recent assessment period were £435 or less (it’s £935 or less if your universal credit includes an element for a child, or if you have a ‘limited capability for work ‘ or ‘limited capability for work and work-related activity’).

You also qualify if you’re under 20 and are the dependent of someone who receives income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance, income-related employment and support allowance, pension credit guarantee credit. In some cases you may also qualify if you claim universal credit.

Free bus pass

You can get an older person’s bus pass free of charge when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men. (This is different in London).

After someone reaches the state pension age, which is currently 66, they are eligible for a free bus pass. Residents in London will be able to travel for free on buses, tubes and other transport when they hit 60, but only within the city.

Free TV Licence

Anyone aged 75 or older may be able to claim a free television license, which is needed to watch live TV programming and stream BBC iPlayer. However, state pensioners will also need to be in receipt of Pension Credit, a DWP benefit payment for those on low income.

Discounted rail fare

Pensioners with a Senior Railcard can get discounted rail fares. There is an annual cost of £30 for the card and gets you 1/3 off train travel. You can also buy a three-year card for £70. People with a Railcard save on average £96 a year, according to National Rail. The Senior Railcard is available to travelers aged 60 or over.

Council tax discount

Depending on someone’s age, income, savings, who they live with and how much they pay to the council, Britons could be entitled to a tax discount. In some cases, pensioners could get a 100 per cent concession but this depends on a person’s individual circumstances.

The average Band D council tax set by local authorities in England (including local councils) for 2023/24 is £2,065, an increase of £99 or 5.1% on the 2022/23 figure of £1,966.

Cold weather payment

If the temperature drops below zero degrees Celsius for seven consecutive days, you can reduce your winter energy costs. The Cold Weather Payment kicks in, offering £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between November and March.