DWP: Millions could be eligible for lesser known benefit worth over £700 a month

Pensioner checking their benefit payments
-Credit: (Image: GETTY)


Many pensioners, who rely on the state pension to make ends meet, are counting their pennies after restrictions on the Winter Fuel Payment were approved by a ministerial vote earlier this week. This will result in millions missing out on the £300 seasonal payment for the first time this year.

However, numerous pensioners could also be unwittingly missing out on hundreds of pounds in unclaimed benefits and other age-related discounts.

The state pension is arguably the most recognised government-backed benefit for those over 66, but there are several lesser-known benefits that retirees can claim later in their retirement. These include free TV licences for those over 75, which can save a quick £159 annually.

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This benefit can be claimed by applying online or by contacting TV Licensing at 0300 790 6117. Military pension benefits are also most commonly claimed by pensioners over 70, according to Lottie, even though they are not specifically targeted at this age group.

Included in this category of pension benefits are the War Pension Scheme and the War Widow or Widower's Pension. Both have various rates depending on factors such as age, rank, pre-existing illnesses or injuries, and conditions developed or worsened due to service in the UK Armed Forces, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The War Pension scheme is accessible to individuals who have served in the UK Armed Forces and suffered an injury or illness due to service before April 6, 2005. It's granted in two primary levels; a lump sum for those with less than 20% disablement and a regular weekly or monthly pension payment for those with more than 20% disablement.

The payments can vary significantly, from £40 a week to over £10,000 a year. Veterans of the 1914 and 1939 wars may be eligible to claim £140 a week through the War Disablement Pension, £160 for those over 80, £180 for those over 90 and £200 a week for centenarians.

To apply for War Pension, one can visit the Armed Forces Compensation or War Pension page.

Moreover, the War Widow or Widower's Pension offers financial compensation for the spouses and children of individuals who were killed in the Armed Forces or died later due to an injury sustained during their service. It also has various tax-free rates depending on your age, personal circumstances and the rank of the person who served in the Armed Forces.

A war widow or widower aged 70 and above could claim £184.95 a week, or £739 a month. To qualify, their spouse or civil partner must have died as a result of their service before April 6, 2005.

There are additional eligibility criteria which can be found on the government website.