Every week, thousands of UK pensioners hand over money they simply don’t have to pay. Not because they’re careless — but because nobody told them they were exempt. Local councils, energy companies, and government departments rarely go out of their way to remind you of the discounts and exemptions you’re entitled to.
So if you’re over State Pension age and still paying full price on these five bills, it’s time to stop.
1. Council Tax — Many Pensioners Pay Far Less (or Nothing)
This is the big one. If you live alone, you’re already entitled to a 25% single person discount. But it goes much further than that. Pensioners on Pension Credit Guarantee Credit may qualify for a 100% Council Tax Reduction — meaning you pay nothing at all.
Even if you don’t claim Pension Credit, your local council may have its own pensioner discount scheme. The problem is, you have to apply for it. It won’t happen automatically. Contact your local council’s benefits team and ask specifically about Council Tax Support — you could be owed money backdated by months.
2. TV Licence — Free If You’re 75 and on Pension Credit
The BBC reinstated the free TV licence for over-75s who receive Pension Credit back in 2020, yet a huge number of eligible pensioners are still paying £174.50 a year for no reason. If you or your partner receive Pension Credit and either of you is 75 or older, your TV licence should cost you absolutely nothing.
Apply directly through tvlicensing.co.uk — it takes minutes and the savings are immediate.
3. NHS Prescriptions — Free for Everyone Over 60
This one surprises people. Since April 1, 2015, anyone aged 60 or over in England gets free NHS prescriptions, full stop. No forms, no means testing, no Pension Credit required. Simply tell your pharmacist you are over 60 when collecting your medication.
If you’ve been paying prescription charges after your 60th birthday, you may be able to claim a refund for up to 12 months of overpayments using the NHS Low Income Scheme form FP57.
4. Water Bills — The Social Tariff Most People Never Hear About
Water companies in England and Wales are legally required to offer a social tariff — a heavily reduced water bill for people on low incomes or certain benefits. Many pensioners on Pension Credit or low fixed incomes qualify, with some households seeing their bills cut by 50% or more.
Every water company sets its own rules, so contact your supplier directly and ask about their social tariff or WaterSure scheme. This is one of the least publicised discounts in the country, and water companies are not rushing to advertise it.
5. Broadband and Phone Bills — Guaranteed Social Tariffs Available
Since 2021, major broadband providers including BT, Sky, Virgin Media, and others have been required to offer social tariffs to households receiving certain benefits — including Pension Credit. These deals can bring your monthly broadband bill down to as little as £15 per month, compared to standard rates of £30–£50.
You won’t be moved onto these tariffs automatically. You have to ask. Call your provider, mention you receive Pension Credit, and request their social or essential broadband tariff. If they say they don’t have one, ask again — most major providers are legally obligated to offer one.
Why Are So Many Pensioners Still Paying Full Price?
The honest answer is that the system isn’t designed to make this easy. Exemptions and discounts are spread across different government departments, councils, and private companies — none of which communicate with each other. The responsibility falls entirely on the pensioner to know what they’re entitled to and chase it down themselves.
That’s exactly why sharing this information matters. If you know a pensioner who might be missing out, send them this article. A few phone calls could save them hundreds of pounds every single year.
