Many UK pensioners are missing out on thousands of pounds’ worth of savings every year. But if you’re claiming the State Pension — or are over 60 — there’s a goldmine of discounts and freebies available, from free travel to help with heating and water bills, broadband and more.

Some savings are automatic, but many need to be claimed, and with the cost of living still biting, it’s more important than ever to take advantage of every entitlement. Here are 16 freebies, discounts, and benefits state pensioners can claim this September, with potential savings worth over £8,000 per year, depending on your eligibility.

Free NHS eye test – £20 to £30 every two years

Everyone aged 60 and over is entitled to a free NHS eye test every two years. When booking, simply mention your eligibility. The price of an eye test can vary, often ranging between £20 and £30.

Discounted travel – worth £1,000+ per year

Over-60s can make big savings on transport, which can be worth more than £1,000 a year.

Free bus passes are available across England, Scotland and Wales. In London, over-60s can apply for a 60+ Oyster card or an Older Person’s Freedom Pass, offering free travel across all TfL services. The Senior Railcard offers 1/3 off train travel, saving around £96 a year.

An annual London bus pass costs nearly £988, and when combined with the estimated £96 a year savings from the Senior Railcard, regular users can potentially save around £1,084 per year.

Heating help – up to £450 per year

Hundreds of pounds worth of energy bill help is available for state pensioners over the winter. While these payments won’t be made in September, it’s important for people to keep their eyes peeled for letters on the following coming in October.

Winter Fuel Payment – up to £300 per year, depending on age and household.

The Government has decided to reinstate the winter fuel payment for millions more state pensioners in England and Wales this coming winter, after last year’s controversial means-testing.

Now, any pensioner born before September 22, 1959, with a total annual income of £35,000 or less will automatically receive the payment, which is intended to help cover rising heating bills. If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get.

People with an annual income over £35,000 will still automatically receive the payment, but it’ll be reclaimed through the tax system, either via PAYE or self-assessment, unless they opt out.

Warm Home Discount – £150 off your electricity bill

The Warm Home Discount, which is from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is applied directly to people’s energy bills. Payments start in October and continue until March, and most people should have received a letter confirming their eligibility by early January.

People who live in England and Wales can qualify if they have an account with one of 27 participating electricity suppliers and they either:

To be eligible for this year’s payment, people must have been claiming a qualifying benefit on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Combined, these benefits can be worth up to £450 this winter.

Free TV licence – £174.50 per year

Pensioners can get a free TV Licence if they, as the licence holder, are 75 years or older and they, or their partner living at the same address, receive Pension Credit. The TV licence currently comes with an annual fee of £174.50 after the price increased with inflation in April.

Discounted broadband – Up to £215 per year

Pensioners can get discounted broadband through social tariffs, which are special low-cost internet packages offered by many providers to people receiving certain benefits, such as Pension Credit. These tariffs are designed to ensure essential connectivity at a more affordable rate, with prices currently ranging from £10 to £23 a month, according to Ofcom.

Despite the availability of these deals, many eligible households are missing out. A report by Policy in Practice estimated that £1.7billion worth of social tariff support is going unclaimed across the UK.

Most major broadband providers now offer social tariffs, and applications can usually be made online. Ofcom provides a helpful social tariff checker tool, which pensioners can use to find out if their current provider offers one.

For example, a pensioner switching to a £10 monthly social tariff from the average UK broadband price of £26.90 could save around £215 a year.

Discounted water bills – up to £500

Pensioners can also apply for social tariffs on water bills, too. Water sector regulator Ofwat says all water companies offer a social tariff for eligible customers to reduce water bills.

Some may qualify for annual discounts of up to 90%. With average bills over £600, that can work out to a saving of more than £500. Click here for the full list of discounts available per provider.

Free NHS prescriptions – £120 a year – but savings vary

Everyone aged 60 and over in England gets free prescriptions — a significant saving for those with ongoing conditions. At £9.90 per item, even one monthly prescription saves nearly £120 per year.

Free NHS dental care – £27.40 and more per check-up

Pensioners on Pension Credit are entitled to free NHS dental treatment, including check-ups and certain procedures. Check-ups start from £27.40, while more extensive treatments, such as dentures, can cost over £320 — making this a valuable saving for those who qualify.

Council Tax reductions – up to £1,600 per year

Pensioners on Pension Credit may qualify for up to 100% off their Council Tax bill, depending on the local council. A full reduction on a Band D property is worth an average of around £1,600 per year.

Discounted days out – savings from £20 and up

Many attractions offer pensioner discounts. For example, National Trust members aged 60 and over with three or more years’ membership can get 25% off their renewal, from £96 to £72.

Museums, cinemas, galleries, theatres, and coach companies often have senior discounts too.

Free or discounted leisure activities – £100 to £300+ per year

Local councils and leisure centres often provide:

• Free or discounted gym, swim or fitness classes.
• Reduced entry to community events.
• Many over-60s can access classes for just £1 or £2 per session.

Blue Badge parking – £40 to £150+ per year in savings

Pensioners with mobility issues may be eligible for a Blue Badge, giving access to free or priority parking spaces in towns and cities. The savings people can make vary depending on a person’s usage, but they can easily add up to £100–£150 or more each year for those who regularly drive and park in paid zones or city centres.

Pension Credit – worth £4,200 per year on average

If your weekly income is below £227.10 (single) or £346.60 (couple), you may qualify for Pension Credit. This benefit tops up your income and unlocks other support, like:

• Free TV licence (75+)
• Free NHS dental care
• Cheaper broadband and travel
• Council Tax reductions
• Housing benefit

Use the official Pension Credit calculator to check if you’re eligible.

For the other discounts and freebies, contact your local council, NHS provider, or utility companies to find out what else you could claim.

Even if you don’t qualify for everything, making use of just a few of these perks could save you hundreds — or thousands — each year.