If you are a Londoner who has reached the state pension age of 66, you can claim free benefits through government and local schemes.

From free travel to eye tests, checking what you are entitled to is well worth doing, especially in a cost-of-living crisis.

While many may already know that there are several benefits pensioners can claim, so you're not missing out on any, we've rounded them up.

You can see the full list of entitlements below or find out more information via the Unbiased website here.

Full list of benefits London pensioners are entitled to

London Freedom Pass

The most focused London benefit is the London Freedom Pass which allows London residents to get free travel across the region.

The pass works on services including the National Rail, the Underground, Overground, buses, river services, trams and local bus journeys.

You can apply for a pass via the London Council's website here.

Free eye tests and dental care

In the UK, everyone over the age of 60 gets free prescriptions and NHS eye tests.

You can also get free NHS dental treatment if you’re over 60 and claim pension guarantee credits or other benefits if you’re under state pension age.

News Shopper: Worth checking this.Worth checking this. (Image: Getty)

Free TV license

You can only get a free TV licence if you, or someone else in your household, is over 75 and claiming pension guarantee credits.

You can also get a free TV licence if you live in a care home. You don't need a TV licence if you never watch live on any channel, TV service or streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer.

London State pension benefits

Across the UK and London, everyone is eligible to begin claiming their state pension at the age of 66.

But, the amount you’re entitled to depends on how many qualifying years of National Insurance (NI) payments you have.

There are several different ways you can build up qualifying years, including:

  • In employment, earning more than £183 per week from one employer
  • Paying NI contributions on your self-employed income
  • Claiming certain benefits for illness or disability, or if you’re a carer or unemployed, including Child Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Carer’s Allowance
  • Paying voluntary NI contributions to make up for gaps in your record

Basic state pension – If you were born on or before 6 April 1951, or 6 April 1953 if you’re a woman, and have at least 30 qualifying years, you could receive up to £134.25 per week.

RECOMMENDED READING:

From TV to travel - All the free benefits available to pensioners and over 60s

DWP to pay thousands £5,000 in state pension backpayments

Additional state pension – This is also only available to those born before 6 April 1951, or 6 April 1953 if you’re a woman. There is no fixed amount, as it is determined by how many qualifying years you have (above the standard 30), your earnings and whether you topped up your basic state pension between 2015 and 2017. If you’re eligible, you’ll automatically be paid any extra with your basic state pension.

Full state pension – If you have at least 35 qualifying years, you could receive up to £175.20 per week (based on the 20/21 financial year payments). This is only available to people born after 6 April 1951, or 6 April 1953 if you’re a woman.

Pension credits – If your weekly income is less than £173.75, or £265.20 combined if you have a partner or spouse, and you have less than £10,000 in savings or investments, you could claim pension guarantee credits.