All the benefits and savings state pension claimants could get in August including free TV licence

There are all sorts of payments and benefits that people on the state pension can claim in August as households look to make ends meet or just boost their finances

While the debate around winter fuel payments continues to heat up it's important to remember that there are a plethora of benefits, payments, and cash handouts available for state pension claimants in August. Households struggling to make ends meet or simply looking to bolster their finances are being encouraged to ensure they're claiming everything they're entitled to.

Firstly the state pension itself provides £221 per week to pensioners, equating to £884 per month. Additionally you can claim a free TV Licence, valued at £14 per month, in some circumstances. If you or someone in your household is over 75 and receiving pension credit you could potentially reduce your annual TV Licence bill to zero, saving you £169.50 across the year or £14 each month. #

Pension credit is also an excellent way to increase your monthly income, reports the Express. If you're single with a total weekly income of £218 or less, or £332 as a couple, it's worth considering claiming pension credit for an additional £75 per week (£300 per month).

Claiming pension credit will then qualify you for a council tax reduction. This could be worth as much as your entire council tax bill or a percentage off it. The average council tax bill for a property in England is £131 per month but this figure can be significantly higher for many, especially those living in family homes with multiple bedrooms, as council tax rates are based on the property's value.

Pension credit can also qualify you for housing benefit potentially worth thousands annually. If you're a renter and receive any amount of guarantee credit you could be eligible for maximum housing benefit. There's no fixed amount but this could potentially cover your entire rental bill valued at well over £200 monthly.

If you receive guarantee credit as part of your pension credit you're also entitled to claim free dental care. This is valued at more than £1,000 annually or £80 monthly.

Those claiming pension credit can also access special phone and broadband deals that could shave another £20 off your bill. In total that's £1,629 of benefits you could be eligible for in the month of August.