Over 70s could be missing out on £700 a month plus free TV licence

Pensioners go through bills and look worried
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)


Many pensioners, who depend on the state pension to get by, are tightening their belts after restrictions on the Winter Fuel Payment were given the green light. This will see millions missing out on the £300 seasonal payment for the first time this year.

However, a significant number of pensioners could also be unknowingly losing out on hundreds of pounds in unclaimed benefits and other age-related discounts.

The state pension is arguably the most well-known government-backed benefit for those over 66, but there are several other benefits that retirees may not be aware of, which they can claim later in their retirement. These include free TV licences for those over 75, offering an immediate saving of £159 per year.

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This benefit can be claimed by applying online or by getting in touch with TV Licensing on 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 your age, rank, pre-existing illnesses or injuries, and conditions developed or worsened as a result of serving in the UK Armed Forces, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The War Pension scheme, accessible to those who have served in the UK Armed Forces and suffered an injury or illness due to service prior to April 6, 2005, is awarded at two primary levels. A lump sum gratuity is given to those with a disablement less than 20%, while a regular weekly or monthly pension payment is provided for those with more than 20% disablement.

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

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

Additionally, the War Widow or Widower's Pension provides 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. The tax-free rates vary based on 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.

Additional eligibility criteria can be found on the government website.