“MILLIONS of grandparents could be cashing in on freebies and discounts worth more than £7,700 this September, but many don’t even realise they’re eligible. Benefits include free passports and cheap cinema tickets, as well as extra support from health services. 1 Pensioners can enjoy £7,700 worth of freebies and discounts this September Credit: getty Here’s”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
Benefits include free passports and cheap cinema tickets, as well as extra support from health services.
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Pensioners can enjoy £7,700 worth of freebies and discounts this SeptemberCredit: gettyHere’s what’s on offer, and how much it could save.
National Insurance exemption – £1,851Once state pension age is reached, workers no longer pay National Insurance contributions.
The exact saving depends on earnings, as someone earning £40,000 a year would save £2,394, while on £20,000 it’s £594.
Based on average wages of £687 a week, the annual saving works out at £1,851.
Discounted travel – £1,084Over-60s can get major savings on travel.
In England, Scotland and Wales, pensioners receive free bus passes.
Londoners can also claim a 60+ Oyster card or an Older Person’s Freedom Pass, covering all TfL services.
An annual bus pass in the capital costs nearly £988, while a Senior Railcard knocks around £96 a year off train fares.
Combined, the saving is worth £1,084.
Free eye test – £25Anyone over 60 is entitled to a free NHS eye test every two years. Simply book as usual and let staff know you qualify.
With the average test costing £25, that’s money in the pocket while keeping eyesight in check.
Free TV licence – £174.50A TV licence is required to watch BBC channels, iPlayer and other live TV.
But pensioners over 75 who receive Pension Credit can have the cost waived, saving £174.50 a year.
Discounted broadband – £142.92Claimants of Pension Credit may also qualify for cheaper broadband tariffs.
Some packages cost just £14.99 a month, compared with the UK average of £26.90. Over 12 months, that’s a saving of £142.92.
Cheaper water bills – £400Low-income households, including pensioners on Pension Credit, may be eligible for social tariffs on water.
These usually cap bills at around £200 a year.
With the average household water bill topping £600, that’s a saving of around £400.
Contact your water company to find out what you’re eligible for.
Free NHS dental care – £26.50Routine NHS dental check-ups cost £26.50, but pensioners on Pension Credit can get them for free.
Some treatments, such as dentures, cost more than £300, meaning the savings can quickly stack up.
Pension Credit – £3,900Pension Credit tops up low retirement incomes, and for those who qualify, it’s worth an average of £3,900 a year.
It also unlocks further freebies, including free NHS dental care, cheaper broadband, and the free TV licence for over-75s.
Pension Credit is designed to top up the income of the UK’s poorest pensioners.
In itself the payment is a vital lifeline for older people with little income.
It will take weekly income up to to £218.15 if you’re single or joint income to £332.95.
Yet, an estimated 800,000 don’t claim this support. Not only are they missing on this cash, but far more extra support that is unlocked when claiming Pension Credit.
With the winter fuel payment – worth up to £300 now being restricted to pensioners claiming Pension Credit – it’s more important than ever to claim the benefit if you can.
Pension Credit also opens up help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills and even a free TV licence if you are 75 or older.
All this extra support can make a huge difference to the quality of life for a struggling pensioner.
It’s not difficult to apply for Pension Credit, you can do it up to four months before you reach state pension age through the government website or by calling 0800 99 1234.
You’ll just need your National Insurance number, as well as information about income, savings and investments.
Free passports – £94.50Anyone born before September 2, 1929, can get a free passport, saving £94.50 on the usual cost.
Most eligible Brits are now in their 90s, but it still means valuable savings for those who qualify.
Discounted days out – £24+Pensioners can enjoy reduced entry at cinemas, theatres and tourist attractions.
Odeon, Vue, Empire and Showcase all run special silver screenings for seniors, with tickets as low as £3.50 and free refreshments included.
National Trust members aged over 60 who have held membership for three years can also get 25% off, cutting the price from £96 to £72 a year, saving £24.
Altogether, the perks and discounts add up to more than £7,700 a year, which is a golden pot of savings that many grandparents could be missing out on.