Four perks and freebies worth £6,640 you can get if you claim State Pension from DWP

People who claim State Pension may be able to get extra financial support thanks to a number of schemes in place.

Those who are struggling with their bills are urged to check if they qualify for four perks involving TV licence, council tax, Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payment. These schemes could massively help people who are finding it difficult to deal with the costs of living.

Pensioners may be able to cut their TV Licence to £0 from £169 if they apply for Pension Credit, worth £3,900. Pension Credit is a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit which comes with a string of perks, including £300 Winter Fuel Payments, council tax reductions and £169 off TV licences too.

• Read More: DWP PIP benefit claimants may have to pay money back after one in 100 were overpaid

• Get all the latest money news and budgeting tips from Chronicle Live with our free newsletter

They can also get council tax support worth £2,171 thanks to council tax reduction. The maximum amount of Council Tax Support you can receive is: 91.5% of the Council Tax bill if you are of working age and up to 100% of the Council Tax bill if you are of pensionable age, reports BirminghamLive.

People can apply for Pension Credit now with the Government encouraging take-up. It comes in two parts.

The standard minimum guarantee rose by £201.05 a week to £218.15 a week for single people and from £306.85 a week to £332.95 a week for couples back in April. Your income needs to be below these amounts to claim the standard minimum guarantee part of Pension Credit.

In some cases, you might still be eligible if you have a higher income and you have a severe disability, you're a carer or you have to pay housing costs, such as a mortgage. If you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have savings or a second pension, you may be eligible for the savings credit element of Pension Credit.

You might get additional payments if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. Pension Credit can be backdated by up to three months, as long as you were eligible during that timeframe. Here are more details about Pension Credit.