Seven benefits and freebies worth £2,678 State Pensioners can claim in November

Millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed each year, and plenty of pensioners are still not taking everything they're entitled to so below is a list of the cash boosts you could be claiming

State pensioners are set to receive a bumper seven freebies, benefits and cash boosts in November, potentially totalling as much as £2,678.50.

Charity Age UK has raised concerns that millions of pounds in unclaimed benefits are wasted each year, with many state pensioners failing to claim every pound they're entitled to and maximise their eligibility for various deals, handouts, and discounts.

With many pensioners losing their automatic right to a Winter Fuel Payment of £200-300, it's an ideal time to evaluate what you could and should be receiving.

Pension credit

Pension Credit is now more significant since Labour decided to cut universal Winter Fuel Payments. It serves as a 'gateway' to the £300 payments, along with other benefits, reports the Express.

Pension Credit supplements your weekly income to a minimum amount so if your pension (and any other income like investment interest or rental income) pays you less than about £218 per week (or £335 for a couple), you're likely eligible to claim Pension Credit. In turn, this will get you:

£300 Winter Fuel Payment

If you're claiming a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit, this entitles you to a £300 Winter Fuel Payment These payments begin to be paid in November, but it's not too late to backdate your claim to August.

Council Tax discount - £1,600

You can also get a Council Tax discount of up to £1,600 if you claim Pension Credit. The exact amount varies depending on your local council, but it could be anything from roughly £300 for a 25 percent reduction on a typical Band D bill to around £1,600 for a full 100 percent discount.

Free TV Licence - £169.50

If you're over 75 and claiming Pension Credit, you can also knock £169.50 off your TV Licence bill, reducing it to zero.

Heating bills discount - £150

Pension Credit also allows you to claim a Warm Homes Discount of £150. To apply for Pension Credit, ring 0800 991234, as many pensioners are still not claiming this benefit despite being eligible.

Attendance Allowance - £434

Paid at a rate of £72.65 per week for the lower rate or £108.55 per week higher, this would be worth about £434 in November alone. If you have a severe disability which means you require regular assistance day and night, you could claim the higher amount.

There are a total of 56 categories of conditions which could make you eligible.

Cold Weather Payment - £25

If the temperature where you live plummets to 0C or below for seven consecutive days, you'll be eligible for a cold weather payment. This is automatic if you're on an eligible benefit such as Pension Credit, Income Support or Universal Credit.

In total, this amounts to £2,678.50 of freebies, discounts and financial support available to state pensioners in November.