All the freebies and pensioner perks you can claim if you are over 60

All the freebies and pensioner perks you can claim if you are over 60 If you are struggling financially, it is worth doing a quick check to see if you are claiming all the free help that you could be entitled to - including free NHS prescriptions, eye tests and council tax discounts The rising cost of living continues to put pressure on households - and it means pensioners need more money than ever for a comfortable retirement. If you are struggling, it is worth doing a quick check to see if you are claiming all the free help that you could be entitled to - including free NHS prescriptions, eye tests and council tax discounts. The support is sometimes dependent purely on your age, although in some cases you may need to be claiming benefits. The full new state pension is worth £241.30 a week, or £12,547.60 a year. But industry body Pensions UK estimates a single person now needs £13,900 a year for a minimum retirement living standard, or £22,500 for a couple. This highlights that the state pension alone is often not enough to cover your basic needs. For a comfortable retirement - which would include holidays abroad and more spare income to do the things you enjoy - this rises to £45,400 a year for a single person, or £62,700 for a couple. Free NHS prescriptions You can get free NHS prescriptions in England if you are aged 60 or over. A standard NHS prescription currently costs £9.90 per item in England. Prescriptions are free for everyone in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Free eye tests There are also free NHS eye tests for the over-60s in England and Wales. You are usually entitled to a free test every two years, or more often if your optician says it is necessary. The cost for a private eye test typically ranges from £20 to £25. Eye tests are free for everyone in Scotland. Free dental check-ups If you claim the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit, you are entitled to free dental check-ups. A standard NHS dental check-up in England typically costs £27.40. In Wales, over-60s get free dental check-ups, while dental check-ups are free for everyone in Scotland. You may have to pay for any subsequent treatment. Free TV licence (for some) Free TV licences are available for Pension Credit claimants who are aged 75 or over. It costs £180 for a TV licence. It used to be the case that all people over the age of 75 got a free TV licence, but the rules were tightened in 2020 so that you had to be claiming Pension Credit. Benefits for pensioners There are certain benefits available that can only be access by people who have reached state pension age. The state pension age is 66 for men and women but is rising to 67. For example, there is Attendance Allowance which is awarded to people over state pension age who need extra help or supervision because of a disability of illness. Attendance Allowance is worth £76.70 a week if you need help or supervision during the day, or supervision at night, or £114.60 a week if you need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or if you’re nearing the end of your life. There is also Pension Credit, which tops up your weekly income to £238 if you are single, or to £363.25 if you are in a couple. Free bus pass You can get a free bus pass in England when you reach state pension age, of if you live in London, you can travel free on buses, tubes and other transport within London when you reach the age of 60. You can get a free bus pass if you are over 60 in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Free energy bill help There are various energy support schemes available for pensioners. For example, the Winter Fuel Payment is worth up to £300 and is sent to everyone who is over state pension age. But if you earn over £35,000, the Winter Fuel Payment will be claimed back by HMRC through the tax system. There is also the Warm Home Discount, which is worth £150 off your electricity bill and is available to people on Pension Credit or on a low income. Council tax help You may be entitled to a council tax reduction if you claim certain benefits such as Pension Credit. The average B and D council tax set by local authorities in England is £2,392. In some cases, you may be entitled to 100% off your bill.