State pensioners can boost their income with 11 freebies and discounts worth up to £14,239.20 in April as a raft of bill increases kick in.

April marks the start of a swathe of price hikes that will put a huge dent in household finances, with the likes of energy bills, water bills, Council Tax, broadband and mobile phone bills all rising on the same day. Energy bills are rising for households on a standard variable tariff in England, Wales and Scotland 6.4% from April 1 as Ofgem increases its price cap from £1,738 per year to £1,849, adding an extra £111 on average to annual bills.

Elsewhere water bills will go up by 26% on average, representing a rise of £123 per year, while the majority of customers who took out a broadband or mobile phone contract on or before April 10, 2024 will face an increase of 6.4% from April 1. The cost of a TV licence is also going up by £5 to £174.50, while for black and white TVs costs will go up by £1.50 to £58.50.

But these price hikes come ahead of increases to benefits and State Pension from April 6, which will put a bit of extra cash back into pockets.

Alongside the increase to State Pension rates, pensioners can potentially add a further boost to their income by claiming one Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit that can unlock a raft of freebies and discounts worth up to £9,077.

Pension Credit provides “a lifeline” in retirement to pensioners on low incomes, as it acts as a gateway to extra support with things like housing costs, Council Tax and the Winter Fuel Payment. It takes only 16 minutes on average to apply and alone it is worth up to £4,300 per year extra per person on average.

Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London, explains: “People can apply for Pension Credit any time, and it could be worth over £4,000 a year. Our research shows that many people are missing out because they haven’t checked to see if they qualify.

“Three in ten people over State Pension age who were on a low income hadn’t checked to see 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. Not only that, but, 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 in need of a financial boost this month, it’s worth checking your eligibility for Pension Credit – plus one other DWP benefit as it could unlock financial support worth up to £14,239.20 . Listed 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 rising by 4.1%. Under the new rates, which will come into effect next month, the single weekly rate will increase from £218.15 to £227.10 and the joint weekly rate will increase from £332.95 to £364.60. It means that those getting the single rate will get an extra £8.95 per week, while those on the joint rate will get an extra £31.65 per week.

Over the course of a year, this will provide those who are single with £465.40 more annually, while couples with a joint weekly income will be £1,645.80 better off per year.

Pension Credit is worth £4,300 extra on average per year and it also unlocks a wealth of other benefits, so if you’re eligible you could also get:

Housing Benefit – £1,000

If you rent your home and you get the Guarantee element of Pension Credit then you’re eligible for the maximum Housing Benefit entitlement from your local council. This isn’t a fixed amount, but Martin Lewis’ MSE says you could get around £1,000 per year, and potentially have your rent paid in full.

Council Tax discount – £1,600

Pension Credit claimants can get a council tax discount. The exact amount you’ll get depends on your local council, but it can be anything from around £300 for a 25% reduction on a typical Band D bill up to around £1,600 for a 100% discount.

Free TV Licence – £174.50

Anyone aged 75 and over and claiming Pension Credit can get £174.50 off their TV Licence bill, cutting it down to £0.

Heating bills discount – £150

Pension Credit entitles you to help with heating costs through the DWP’s Warm Home Discount scheme, which knocks £150 off your electricity bill. The discount is automatically applied by your electricity supplier by March 31, 2025.

Free NHS prescriptions – £9.90

Claiming Pension Credit will also entitle you to free NHS prescriptions, which cost £9.90 per item in England.

Free eye care – up to £215

If you get any of the Guarantee element of Pension Credit then you are entitled to help with NHS eye care, including a voucher for glasses or contact lenses. According to Martin Lewis’ MSE this 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, including anything from a simple check up to full dentures. According to Martin Lewis’ MSE this could amount to up to £1,000 worth of free treatment per year.

Royal Mail redirection discount – £24

Pension Credit claimants are entitled to a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house. The service normally costs £84, but you’ll only have to pay £60 – giving you a saving of £24.

You can start an application for Pension Credit up to four months before you reach State Pension age – which is 66 for both men and women – and any time after, but your application can only be backdated by three months. You can apply online via GOV.UK or by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

Cold Weather Payment – £25

If the temperature where you live drops to 0C or below for seven consecutive days, you’ll be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment. This is automatic if you’re on an eligible benefit such as Pension Credit, Income Support or Universal Credit.

Attendance Allowance – up to £5,740.80

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you and is 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 require regular assistance day and night, you could claim the higher amount. There are a total of 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.