Pension benefits & entitlements: broadband deals, free prescriptions, Savings Credit, Pension Credit & more

As it's revealed that 80% of retired homeowners are missing out on vital help worth £1,800 a year, we reveal the key benefits and discounts on offer.

Claim what you're entitled to

A shocking 80% of pensioners who own their home aren't claiming the state benefits they're entitled to, according to new research. 

An annual survey by retirement services provider Just Group found that households are missing out on £1,800 each year in unclaimed financial support, including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, while those who claimed for benefits did not receive the full £2,195 they should be eligible for. 

What's more, nearly 60% (58%) of pensioners on low incomes, earning less than £218.15 a week (or £332.95 for a couple) who failed to claim benefits are losing out by £1,000 a year. 

Many will also not have received the Winter Fuel Payment in November and December because they had not applied for Pension Credit in time - the deadline to do so was 21 December 2024. 

Under the new Government rules, only recipients of Pension Credit or other benefits such as Universal Credit, Income Support, the Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance qualify for the £200 payment (£300 for the over 80s). 

Besides Government benefits, there are many other forms of support for retirees; such as reduced broadband payments, free prescriptions and cut-price movie tickets. 

Make sure you don't miss out. Read our guide to find out more about how you can save cash as a pensioner. 

Save over 40% on broadband

For many of us, internet access is essential for managing our money, staying informed about current events and keeping in touch with friends and family.

However, it’s not unusual for packages to cost upwards of £40 per month, which is unaffordable for many amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

The good news it's possible for many households to slash these costs by taking advantage of social tariffs.

These are special broadband deals, offered by some of the biggest providers, at discounted rates to any household receiving Pension Credit, Universal Credit and certain other benefits.

For example, Sky has a range of social tariffs available, including Superfast broadband (up to 35mbps) for just £20 a month (affiliate link).

If you don't need a faster line, Virgin currently has a 15mbps social deal that costs just £12.50 a month.

You can learn more in our guide to social broadband tariffs.

Help with your heating

One of the Labour Government’s most controversial announcements since coming to power has been the decision to end Winter Fuel Payments – worth up to £300 a year – for most pensioners.

Under plans announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, only those receiving means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit will qualify for payments.

In effect, this means that nine out of 10 pensioners will no longer be eligible.

Can I still claim Winter Fuel Payments?

Following the Chancellor’s announcement, you’ll need to meet the following criteria to qualify for payments in the winter of 2024/25:

• Be born on or before 23 September, 1958
• Receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Income Support
• Be living in England or Wales during the week of 16 to 22 September

The amount you get depends on your age and who lives in your house, with payments ranging from £200 to £300 a year.

You should receive your payment automatically in most cases. However, you may need to make a claim if you receive Universal Credit.

The deadline to make a claim is 31 March, 2025.

Learn more here, or call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. 

if you live in Scotland, you won't receive the Winter Fuel Payment but may be eligible for the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.

Despite the Government’s plans for Winter Fuel Payments, there are other initiatives offering support with heating costs. These include:

Cold Weather Payment

You’ll receive a £25 payment when your local temperature is either recorded as, or forecast to be, an average of zero degrees Celsius or below over seven consecutive days between 1 November and 31 March each year.

If you’re entitled to other income-related benefits such as Pension Credit, Income Support or Universal Credit, you’ll be eligible for Cold Weather Payments. It’ll be paid automatically too.

If it isn’t, tell your pension centre or Jobcentre Plus office or if you’re getting Universal Credit, contact 0800 328 9344.

Be aware, Cold Weather Payments aren’t available in Scotland, although you may be entitled to an annual Winter Heating Payment instead.

Warm Homes Discount

You can get £150 off your electricity bill through the Warm Homes Discount scheme.

If you are eligible, you’ll usually receive the discount automatically, although you’ll need to apply if you’re on a low income and live in Scotland.

It won't be paid to you directly: it's a one-off lump sum that will be taken off your electricity bill at some point between September and March.

You can qualify for the discount if all of the following apply:

• your electricity supplier is part of the scheme
• your name is on the bill
• you are getting the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit 

If you were eligible for the scheme during winter 2023 and 2024 but didn’t receive your payment, you should contact your energy supplier.

You can then write to the Warm Homes Discount scheme directly if your provider is unable to help.

Insulation and heating schemes

You can receive free loft insulation under the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme and other grants.

The aim is to improve household energy efficiency for those on a low income who are living in poorly insulated homes.

Other improvements may include cavity wall insulations, smart heating controls, better heating and solar panels.

Contact the Energy Saving Trust (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) and Nest (Wales) for more information.

There is also a full list of participating energy suppliers on the Ofgem website.

Claim Pension Credit & benefits

Top up your pension income

Pension Credit is made up of two parts, namely Guarantee Pension Credit and Savings Credit.

The purpose of Guarantee Pension Credit is to top up low incomes, bringing them up to a minimum of £218.15 for single people and £332.95 for a couple.

Savings Credit is an additional payment for people who saved some money towards their retirement, such as a workplace pension. 

It is worth up to £17.01 extra per week for individuals or up to £19.04 for couples.

Take a look at this page to see if you can benefit.

Free prescriptions

It costs £9.90 per item to fill an NHS prescription, but if you’re aged 60 or over and living in England, you won’t have to pay anything.

If you live somewhere else in the UK, you're entitled to free prescriptions, regardless of your age. 

Save on pharmacy medicines with Pharmacy2U

Health

Personal Independence Payment

Personal Independence Payments (PIP), formerly the Disability Living Allowance, will cover you if you have long-term ill-health or a disability and are aged 16 to 64.

It is split into two components, with each having a standard and enhanced rate.

The ‘daily living’ component pays either £72.65 or £108.55 and is intended to provide financial help with everyday tasks such as washing and cooking.

The ‘mobility’ component provides help with moving around and pays either £28.70 or £75.75.

You can find more details on the Government's website. 

Attendance Allowance

People who are 65 or over could get help with personal care through Attendance Allowance if they’re physically or mentally disabled. It’s paid at two different rates (higher and lower) and the amount you receive is dependent on how much care you need.

The lower rate is currently £72.65 a week and the higher is £108.55.

Other benefits you receive may also increase when you start claiming Attendance Allowance.

Free eye tests for over 60s

Over 60s are eligible for free eye tests and Specsavers also offers a 20% discount on certain ranges for those in this age bracket. Likewise, Boots provides 10% discounts for the over 60s, as well as all additional pairs being half price.

You could also get help towards dental treatment and travel costs to the hospital.

Travel

Free bus pass

Those living in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland qualify for a free bus pass when they reach the age of 60.

In England, you’ll become eligible when you reach State Pension age.

However, there are some regional differences to consider ‒ over 60s can travel for free on public transport in London, for example.

Get more information on how to apply here.

Senior Railcard

A Senior Railcard will give you a third off standard and first class anytime, off-peak and advance fares.

A one-year card costs £30 and the three-year option is £70.

Free passport

British nationals born on or before 2 September 1929 could get a free passport, saving you up to £112.

Entertainment, shopping and culture

Silver screenings

Odeon holds cheaper screenings for 'seniors' during the week, complete with tea and biscuits.

See How to get cheap and free cinema tickets for more details.

Museums

A lot of museums offer money off for senior citizens. The National Trust offers reduced-price membership too. 

War pensioners and widows

If your partner died as a result of their service in the Armed Forces or during a time of war, then you may be entitled to a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension.

Get your claim form from Veterans UK by phoning 0808 1914 218.

Home repairs

Age UK offers handyperson services across most of the country to give older people help with small practical jobs.

You can enter your postcode on this page to see if this is available where you live.

Tradespeople can help with basic repairs, installing safety measures such as smoke alarms, home security and energy efficiency checks.

You can call Age UK to see what services they can help you find on 0800 678 1602 or search for your local centre online.