There is plenty of DWP support available to state pensioners that they may be unaware of
State pensioners could be entitled to a variety of freebies they know nothing about and never have to repay. Support is on offer covering a variety of areas.
There is help available for transport and passports. There is also support on offer for TV licences and prescriptions.
Other health help is also there to check out. And there are exemptions and credits that could also bring in very useful sums.
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The State Pension isn’t means-tested but support levels vary. The amount you receive is based on the number of qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions or credits you’ve accumulated.
To qualify for any State Pension payment, you’ll need at least 10 years’ worth and around 35 for the maximum amount. As a result, some people not meeting these benchmarks may be in real need of other forms of help.
Making the most of nine support schemes worth a maximum of £7,814 can help ease cost pressures significantly It can also hopefully enhance your quality of life without you having to spend more, reports Birmingham Live.
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Discounted travel – £1,084
The Senior Railcard offers a third off train fares. It costs £30 but the average cardholder saves £96 annually. Add that to the cost of bus travel and you see savings of more than £1,000.
Age UK offer support through our free Advice Line. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year.
Free passport – £94.50
Eligible seniors can get a free passport worth £94.50, saving a tidy sum if you were born before the 2nd of September, 1929. Not only do qualifying Brits get to skip the fee, but they also enjoy complimentary Post Office Check and Send services as well as secure delivery.
The government rolled out this offer in 2004 to honour British citizens who were at least 75 years old “in grateful commemoration for their wartime efforts”, specifically aiming to recognise those aged 16 or older by war’s end.
There have been periodic calls to broaden this policy to offer all elders free passports, but officials keep giving it the thumbs-down. They warn it could force fees up for others seeking passports.
Free prescriptions – worth £114.50 annually
Everyone aged over 60 gets free prescriptions. If you’re under 60 you can save money on prescriptions by buying prescription prepayment certificates from the NHS for 3 or 12 months. This covers all your prescriptions for that period, regardless of how many you need.
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 need regular prescriptions and buy an annual prepayment certificate, you can save up to £114.50 annually.
Free eye tests – £25
All over-60s qualify for free NHS eye tests, which typically cost between £20 and £25. If you’re 60 or over you might need to show proof of age to the pharmacist to get free prescriptions.
You need to show your benefit award letter to health care staff when you book or attend an appointment.
If you qualify through the NHS Low Income Scheme you’ll either get a HC2 certificate that entitles you to full help or a HC3 certificate for partial help with health costs. Tell staff you have a certificate when you book an appointment and bring it with you to your appointment.
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National Insurance exemption – £1,851.20
Someone earning £20,000 a year currently pays £594 in primary Class 1 NICs, while an employee earning £40,000 this year will pay £2,194, according to data from Tax.org.uk.
The average weekly wage in the UK according to the ONS is £687 for total earnings which would mean a typical £1,851.20 in National Insurance, which you save after State Pension Age.
Pension Credit – £4,300
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who have a low income. It comes in two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. It’s separate from your State Pension.
By claiming Pension Credit, you might become eligible for other benefits too, such as help with health and housing costs. You’ll be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, worth £300.
You have nothing to lose by applying, and potentially a lot to gain – and if you’ve previously been turned down, you can still make a new claim each year.
Free TV licence – £174.50
If you’re 75 or over and on Pension Credit, you can bag a free TV licence, saving you a tidy £174.50 annually. With Pension Credit, you’ll also be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment during particularly chilly spells.
Only those who have hit state pension age and are entitled to a means-tested benefit will qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, an annual sum to help with heating costs during the frosty months.
Free NHS dental treatment – save £26.80
You’ll qualify for help with the above NHS costs if either you or your partner receive Pension Credit. Even if you don’t receive it but are on a low income, you may still be eligible for some assistance with health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. You can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme online or by post.
Discounted broadband – save £142.92
Many broadband providers offer discounted social tariffs for those on a tight budget. These plans often cost as little as £14.99 per month, compared to the average broadband cost of £26.90 per month, and usually include line rental too. Over the course of a year, this could save you £142.92.