GOVERNMENT is offering 11 state pension freebies to claim this month – on top of regular payments.
The is a taxable income Brits can claim once they hit 66, which can amount to just over £220 a week.
How much you receive depends on your National Insurance (NI) contributions throughout your working life.
You typically need 35 years' worth of contributions to get the full new State Pension, which is currently worth £11,502, but is rising by £471 to £11,973 from April 6.
The State Pension rises every year based on the “triple lock” – whatever is highest out of, 2.5% or wages.
It % on Sunday based on wages for the three-month period from May to July last year.
The basic state pension, which is paid to men born before 6 April 1951 or women born on or after 6 April 1953, will rise from £8,814 to around £9,175.
In addition to this increase, some people can claim extra payments or freebies that could boost their retirement funds.
Here is a full list of all the freebies you could claim…
Pension Credit – up to £332.95
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over 66 and on a low income, and tops up your income to a minimum weekly amount. There's the Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
With the Guarantee Credit, you could get:
- £218.15 if you're single
- £332.95 if you're a couple
If you've got some savings or if your income is higher than the basic State Pension you could get some extra money with Savings Credit.
This is available to people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. You could get up to:
- £17.01 extra per week if you're single
- £19.04 extra per week if you're a couple.
Insulation and Heating schemes – up to £25 a week
You may be eligible for financial support if your home lacks proper insulation and you receive Pension Credit.
This could add an extra £25 a week to your earnings. The benefit is only available between November 1 and March 31 each year.
Council Tax help – hundreds
Council Tax Support is a benefit to help low earners pay their council tax.
You may be able to get a reduction to the amount you have to pay.
Anyone can make a claim, whether they're a property owner or renter.
Contact your council for help or if you're not sure if you're eligible.
Visit: gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction to find your local council.
Disability and care benefits – up to £184.30
The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have both:
- a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
- difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition
You can getPIPeven if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.
It could add up to £184.30 to your income if you get the enhanced rate for both the daily living and mobility components.
Travel concessions – unlimited
Anyone over the age of 60 and who lives in London can claim free travel on buses and trains.
For other schemes across the country it's a good idea to check with your local council to see what financial support is available.
BBC TV licence – £174.50
If you're 75 or over and you receive Pension Credit you can claim a free TV licence, saving you £174.50 a year.
Free passport – £94.50
British nationals born on or before 2 September 1929 can apply for a free passport.
However, a charge will be imposed for those needing the fast track service.
As of this year, you could save £94.50.
War widows and widowers
If your spouse or civil partner has died or been injured whilst serving in the armed forces prior to April 6, 2005 you could be entitled to a War Widow's or Widower's Pension.
Contact the Veteran's UK helpline for help applying on 0808 1914 2 18.
War Disablement Pension
The War Pension Scheme ( WPS ) compensates for any injury, illness or death which was caused by service before 6 April 2005.
War pensioners
If you become disabled while serving in the Armed Forces and are hospitalised you are entitled to financial support through schemes like the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).
