People on this state profit can declare 11 freebies and reductions value £14,239 in April

State pensioners could be in for a financial boost this April, with 11 freebies and discounts potentially adding up to a whopping £14,239.20 just as a wave of bill hikes come into effect.

April ushers in a series of price increases that will hit household budgets hard with energy bills, water bills, Council Tax, broadband and mobile phone bills all set to rise simultaneously. Households on a standard variable tariff in England, Wales and Scotland will see energy bills jump by 6.4% from April 1, as Ofgem raises its price cap from £1,738 per year to £1,849, tacking an extra £111 on average onto annual bills.

In other areas, water bills are set to surge by 26% on average, equating to a yearly increase of £123, while most customers who signed up for a broadband or mobile phone contract on or before April 10, 2024, will face a 6.4% hike from April 1. The cost of a TV licence is also on the rise, increasing by £5 to £174.50, while black and white TV licences will go up by £1.50 to £58.50.

However, these price rises precede benefit and State Pension increases from April 6, which should put some much-needed extra cash back into people’s pockets.

Alongside the uplift in State Pension rates, pensioners could further bolster their income by claiming one Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit that could unlock a treasure trove of freebies and discounts worth up to £9,077, reports the Express.

Pension Credit serves as a “a lifeline” for retirees on low incomes, offering access to additional support for expenses such as housing costs, Council Tax and the Winter Fuel Payment. The application process is a breeze, taking an average of just 16 minutes, and it could add up to £4,300 per year to your pocket.

Sarah Pennells, a consumer finance guru at Royal London, said: “People can apply for Pension Credit any time, and it could be worth over £4,000 a year. Our research reveals that many folks are missing out simply because they haven’t checked their eligibility.

“Three in 10 people over State Pension age on a low income hadn’t checked if they were entitled to Pension Credit, while one in ten pensioners who had been told they qualified for Pension Credit have yet to apply.

“You can backdate your claim for Pension Credit by up to three months, and the sooner you claim, the sooner you could start receiving payments. Plus, if you’re entitled to Pension Credit, you’ll be able to get extra help with costs such as rent and Council Tax, which could make a big difference.”

So, if you’re feeling the pinch this month, it’s worth checking your eligibility for Pension Credit – plus another DWP benefit as it could unlock financial support worth up to £14,239.20. Here are 11 freebies and discounts pensioners could claim in April.

Pension Credit – up to £4,300

From April 6, the standard minimum guarantee for Pension Credit is set to rise by 4.1%. The new rates, which will be implemented next month, will see the single weekly rate jump from £218.15 to £227.10 and the joint weekly rate climb from £332.95 to £364.60.

This means that individuals on the single rate will pocket an extra £8.95 per week, while those on the joint rate will enjoy an additional £31.65 per week.

Over a year, this will result in an annual increase of £465.40 for single claimants, while couples on a joint weekly income will find themselves £1,645.80 richer each year.

Pension Credit, which averages an extra £4,300 per year, also opens the door to a host of other benefits. If you’re eligible, you could also receive:.

Housing Benefit – £1,000

If you rent your property and are entitled to the Guarantee element of Pension Credit, you can claim the maximum Housing Benefit from your local council. While the amount isn’t fixed, Martin Lewis’ MSE suggests you could receive around £1,000 annually, potentially covering your entire rent.

Council Tax discount – £1,600.

Those claiming Pension Credit can benefit from a council tax discount. The exact figure depends on your local council, but it can range from roughly £300 for a 25% reduction on a typical Band D bill to approximately £1,600 for a 100% discount.

Free TV Licence – £174.50

Pension Credit claimants aged 75 and over can save £174.50 on their TV Licence fee, reducing it to zero.

Heating Bills Discount – £150

If you’re a Pension Credit recipient, you’re eligible for assistance with heating expenses via the DWP’s Warm Home Discount scheme. This initiative slashes £150 off your electricity bill, with the discount automatically applied by your electricity provider by March 31, 2025.

Free NHS Prescriptions – £9.90

Pension Credit claimants are also entitled to free NHS prescriptions, which typically cost £9.90 per item in England.

Free Eye Care – Up to £215

Those receiving any part of the Guarantee element of Pension Credit can avail of help with NHS eye care, including vouchers for glasses or contact lenses. As per Martin Lewis’ MSE, this could be valued at up to £215, depending on your prescription.

Free NHS Dental Treatment – Up to £1,000

Pensioners who qualify for the Guarantee component of Pension Credit can also access free NHS dental services, ranging from a basic check-up to complete dentures. According to Martin Lewis’ MSE, this could equate to up to £1,000 worth of complimentary treatment annually.

Royal Mail Redirection Discount – £24

Pension Credit beneficiaries are entitled to a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service when relocating. The service usually costs £84, but you’ll only have to fork out £60, resulting in a saving of £24.

You can kick off your Pension Credit application up to four months before you hit the State Pension age – currently 66 for both blokes and birds – and any time after that. But bear in mind, your application can only be backdated by three months.

You can apply online via GOV.UK or give the Pension Credit claim line a bell on 0800 99 1234.

Cold Weather Payment – £25

If the mercury where you live plummets to 0C or below for seven days on the trot, you’ll qualify for a Cold Weather Payment. If you’re on an eligible benefit like Pension Credit, Income Support or Universal Credit, it’s automatically yours.

Attendance Allowance – up to £5,740.80

Attendance Allowance is there to help with extra costs if you have a disability so severe that you need someone to help look after you. It’s worth £73.90 per week for the lower rate from April 6 or £110.40 per week for the higher rate.

If you have a severe disability which means you need regular help day and night, you could claim the higher amount. There are a whopping 56 categories of conditions which could make you eligible.

If you get the higher rate this could be worth up to £5,740.80 per year.