State pensioners over 70 could be missing out on benefit entitlement worth over £700 a month

The War Widow or Widower's Pension can be claimed by individuals if their spouse or civil partner died as a result of their service before April 6, 2005 - though there are additional eligibility criteria to meet.

Many pensioners, who depend on the state pension to get by, are tightening their belts after restrictions on Winter Fuel Payments were green-lit earlier this week. This will see millions lose out on the £300 seasonal payment for the first time this year. However, a significant number of pensioners could also be unknowingly missing out on hundreds of pounds in unclaimed benefits and other age-related discounts.

READ MORE: Argos shoppers warned to stop using items immediately

READ MORE: Octopus energy trick to get you and your mates £50 each

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

This 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 website Lottie, despite not being specifically targeted at this age group.

The War Pension Scheme and the War Widow or Widower's Pension are included in this category of pension benefits. These rates vary based on factors such as age, rank, pre-existing illnesses or injuries, and conditions developed or worsened due to service in the UK Armed Forces, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The War Pension scheme is available to those who have served in the UK Armed Forces and suffered an injury or illness due to service before April 6, 2005. It is awarded at two main levels. A lump sum gratuity is given to those with a disablement less than 20%, while an ongoing 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 a year. War veterans may be eligible to claim £140 a week through the War Disablement Pension, with amounts increasing to £160 for over-80s, £180 for over-90s and £200 a week for centenarians. Applications for War Pension can be made via 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 be eligible for a weekly claim of £184.95, or £739 per month. However, their spouse or civil partner must have passed away due to their service prior to April 6, 2005. Further eligibility requirements can be accessed on the Government's official website.

A previous version of this article erroneously stated that people over the age of 75 are eligible for a free TV licence. We are happy to clarify that a free TV licence is available to people who are over the age of 75 and receiving Pension Credit.