Ten benefits worth £12k pensioners can claim this month including free TV licence and council tax – are you missing out?
They include everything from free TV licences and NHS prescriptions to benefits such as Pension Credit.
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Pensioners can potentially get a huge £12,700 worth of freebies and benefits
Credit: Getty
The Sun has put together a list all the things you could claim and how much you can save...
Pension Credit - £3,900 a year
This benefit is available for pensioners on lower earnings.
Pension Credit becomes available whenever you are able to start claiming your pension.
The amount you can get depends on how much you've earned and your income.
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But the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) says the average amount given out is a huge £3,900 a year.
Free TV licence - save £174.50
Everyone who watches live TV is expected to pay the licence fee annually.
It currently comes to £174.50 a year.
However, if you're over the age of 75 and claim Pension Credit, you won't have to pay.
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You can also get a discount if you're visually impaired.
How to Qualify for Free or Discounted Council Tax!
Free prescriptions and eye tests - save £139.50
You won't need to be claiming Pension Credit to get free NHS prescriptions.
Anyone over the age of 60 in England, Scotland or Wales can get their prescriptions for free.
If you're buying your prescription regularly and using an annual prepayment certificate this can cost up to £114.50 - so you'll make a huge saving by getting your prescription for free.
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Over-60s are also entitled to a free eye test every two years.
This can save you £25 each time.
All you need to do is book your appointment as normal and inform members of staff that you are eligible for a free test.
Discounted broadband - save £142.92
People who claim Pension Credit are often eligible for cheaper broadband.
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The cheapest plans available to pensioners cost just £14.99 a month, compared to the average cost of £26.90.
Over a year, this means you could save a staggering £142.92.
Winter Fuel Payment - up to £300
Millions of pensioners are set to get a Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300 this year.
The payment is being made to those with an income of or below £35,000 this winter.
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A person needs to have reached state pension age by September 21 to be eligible for a payment.
People aged up to 80 will receive a payment worth £200 while those aged 81 or over will get £300.
Attendance Allowance - up to £5,741 a year
Attendance Allowance is a benefit paid out to people over state pension age who need someone to help look after them.
To qualify for the benefit you must have a disability or illness that requires you to be looked after, and you must have needed help for at least six months.
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It's paid at two different rates depending on how much help you need.
You get a lower rate of £73.90 a week, or £3,843 a year, if you need help either in the day or at night.
The higher rate of £110.40 a week, or £5,741 a year, is if you need help at both day and night.
The payment is not affected by how much your income is.
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Council tax reduction - save £2,171
Some pensioners can claim a discount on their council tax bills.
But the amount of reduction you can get will depend on factors like your age, income, savings and the benefits you receive.
You can usually claim for a council tax reduction if you receive benefits like Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments and Carer's Allowance.
Plus, those that receive the Guarantee part of Pension Credit may be exempt from paying council tax entirely.
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If you receive Pension Credit, but not the Guarantee part, you may still be able to reduce your bill if you're on a low income and have less that £16,000 in savings.
The average Band D Council Tax set by local authorities in England currently stands at £2,171 - so you could end up saving a huge amount.
Free passports - save £94.50
Passports are offered for free by the Home Office to anyone born before September 2, 1929.
That means most people who are eligible for the discount are in their late 90s.
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But those who are can save £94.50.
Cold Weather Payment - £25
Older people receiving Pension Credit can get Cold Weather Payments when temperatures drop.
You'll get if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0C or below over seven consecutive days.
You will get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather.
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If you're eligible you'll get the payments automatically.
Discounted days out - save £37
Pensioners are entitled to special discounts on certain days out.
The National Trust and English Heritage both offer discounts for seniors.
If you've been a National Trust member for at least three consecutive years and you're aged 60 or over, this can get you 25% off your subscription.
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It means you'll pay £72 rather than £96 a year, saving you £24.
People aged 65 or over will pay £69 a year for English Heritage membership, versus £82 for most adults.
That would save you £13 a year.
You can also save on Interrail passes - which let you travel around Europe - by getting 10% off.
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Cinemas and museums also offer cheaper tickets too.
Since the amount that you save is dependent on the days out you prefer, the possibilities are endless.
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