State pensioners could be missing out on more than £14,139 worth of freebies and discounts available this February, with a wide range of help on offer to ease rising living costs.
Eligible pensioners can unlock this support through Pension Credit and several Department for Work and Pensions winter schemes, providing money and discounts that never need to be paid back.
The support spans cash payments, energy bill help and cost-of-living discounts, and can be worth thousands of pounds for those who qualify.
Several of these schemes, including the Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payments, are due to close on March 31, 2026, meaning time is running out to claim. While the State Pension is set to rise by 4.8 per cent from April — boosting incomes by up to £575 a year for some — many pensioners could still be entitled to additional financial support before the higher rates take effect.
Checking eligibility for Pension Credit now could unlock around 12 separate freebies and discounts, together worth an average of £14,139, making it one of the most valuable but underclaimed benefits available to older households.
Pension Credit – £3,900
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to £227.10 for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples. To qualify, a claimant must have reached State Pension age and live in England, Scotland or Wales.
The Department for Work and Pensions says Pension Credit is worth more than £3,900 a year on average. Claiming it can also unlock a range of additional freebies and discounts, meaning eligible pensioners may be entitled to significantly more financial support overall.
Housing Benefit – £1,000
Pensioners who rent their home and receive the Guarantee element of Pension Credit may qualify for the maximum level of Housing Benefit from their local council.
The amount is not fixed, but estimates from MoneySavingExpert suggest it could be worth around £1,000 a year, with some eligible households having their rent covered in full.
State pensioners can get freebies and discounts worth over £14,000 this February
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GETTYFree TV Licence – £174.50
Anyone aged 75 or over who claims Pension Credit can get a free TV licence, saving £174.50 a year and reducing the cost to £0.
Heating bills discount – £150
Pension Credit claimants are eligible for help with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount scheme, which takes £150 off electricity bills.
Households in England or Wales qualify if they are the named bill payer and receive one of the following means-tested benefits:
- Housing Benefit
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Pension Credit
- Universal Credit
In England and Wales, the discount is applied automatically by your electricity supplier. In Scotland, suppliers set their own criteria, so households should contact their energy provider to check eligibility.
If you qualify, the £150 discount will be applied to your bill by March 31, 2026.
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The Department for Work and Pensions says Pension Credit is worth more than £3,900 a year on average
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PACouncil Tax discount – £1,600
Pension Credit claimants can also receive a Council Tax reduction. The amount depends on your local council, but discounts can range from around £300 for a 25 per cent reduction on a typical Band D bill, up to around £1,600 for a full 100 per cent discount.
Winter Fuel Payment – up to £300
Those receiving Pension Credit are entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment, worth between £100 and £300. The amount depends on your date of birth and your circumstances during the qualifying week, which runs from September 15 to 21, 2025.
Most eligible pensioners receive the payment automatically in November or December, although some payments may arrive later.
The DWP says anyone who has not received a letter or payment by January 28, 2026 should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre. Claims for winter 2025 to 2026 must be made by March 31, 2026.
Free NHS prescriptions – £9.90
Claiming Pension Credit also entitles you to free NHS prescriptions. In England, prescriptions currently cost £9.90 per item, meaning regular medication can result in significant savings.
Free eye care – up to £215
If you receive any amount of the Guarantee element of Pension Credit, you are entitled to NHS help with eye care. This includes eye tests and vouchers towards glasses or contact lenses.
According to MoneySavingExpert, this support could be worth up to £215, depending on your prescription.
Free NHS dental treatment – up to £1,000
Pensioners who qualify for the Guarantee element of Pension Credit are also entitled to free NHS dental treatment. This covers everything from routine check-ups to major work such as dentures.
MoneySavingExpert estimates this could be worth up to £1,000 a year.
Cold Weather Payment – £25
If temperatures in your area fall to 0C or below for seven consecutive days, you may qualify for a £25 Cold Weather Payment.
Payments are made automatically to eligible households receiving benefits such as Pension Credit, Income Support or Universal Credit. The DWP can issue payments up until March 31, 2026, meaning further cold spells could trigger additional payments before the deadline.
Royal Mail redirection discount is £24
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PARoyal Mail redirection discount – £24
Pension Credit claimants are entitled to a discount on Royal Mail’s redirection service if they are moving home.
The service normally costs £84, but those receiving Pension Credit only have to pay £60, giving a saving of £24. The discount helps ensure your post is redirected to your new address without interruption during a move.
Attendance Allowance – up to £5,740.80
Attendance Allowance provides extra financial help for people with a disability or health condition that means they need support with personal care or supervision.
The benefit is paid at two rates: £73.90 a week for the lower rate, or £110.40 a week for the higher rate. You may qualify for the higher rate if you have a severe disability and need help or supervision both during the day and at night.
There are 56 recognised categories of conditions that can make someone eligible. If you qualify for the higher rate, Attendance Allowance can be worth up to £5,740.80 a year.