State pensioners feeling the financial pinch of the festive season are being given a helping hand to the tune of £8,837 worth of freebies and discounts in December.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a reminder to pensioners to submit an application for Pension Credit this month as the benefit opens the door to a vast array of other support.

Pension Credit alone is worth £3,900 per year on average, but it also grants access to this year’s £300 Winter Fuel Payment -…