Hundreds of thousands of older people across the UK could completely wipe out their upcoming BBC TV Licence bill with a single, short phone call. This crucial financial relief is available to those who are eligible for a specific Department for Work and Pensions benefit but have not yet claimed it.
Who Qualifies for a Zero-Cost TV Licence?
The key to securing a free TV Licence is Pension Credit. According to TV Licensing, if you or someone you live with is aged over 74 and receives Pension Credit, you can apply to have the annual fee removed. The benefit can be in the name of the licence holder or their partner if they are a couple.
Financial expert Martin Lewis and his team at Money Saving Expert have been highlighting this opportunity. Mr Lewis pointed out that over 800,000 people of state pension age are eligible for Pension Credit but do not currently claim it, meaning they are unnecessarily paying for their television licence.
The Simple Application Process
The Department for Work and Pensions states that applying for Pension Credit takes just 16 minutes on average. This brief process can unlock not only the free TV licence but also thousands of pounds in additional annual financial support.
TV Licensing advises applying for the free licence when you turn 74 to simplify the transition when you reach 75. If your application is successful, you will still need to pay for your licence until your 75th birthday, so you should not alter your existing payment method beforehand.
Pension Credit: A Gateway to Further Support
Claiming Pension Credit acts as a vital gateway benefit, opening doors to a wide range of additional financial help. This includes:
- Extra payments for carers, those who are severely disabled, or people responsible for a child.
- Discounts on Royal Mail services.
- Help with NHS prescription costs.
It is important to note that if you or your partner do not receive Pension Credit, you will need to continue paying for your TV licence. Different conditions may apply for residents of the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
With the TV licence fee set to rise, taking action to check eligibility for Pension Credit could provide significant and timely financial relief for older households on a low income.
