Thousands of state pensioners across the UK are being urged to take a crucial step that could slash their annual TV Licence cost from over £180 to absolutely nothing.
The Hidden Benefit for Over-75s
Households where someone is aged 75 or over and receives Pension Credit are eligible for a completely free TV Licence. This valuable benefit acts as an income top-up for those on a low state pension. However, hundreds of thousands of eligible pensioners are currently missing out, continuing to pay the full annual fee even though they qualify for this significant saving.
Why Pension Credit is a 'Gateway Benefit'
Many older people do not apply for Pension Credit, often believing the weekly top-up amount would be too small to be worthwhile or fearing a complicated application process. This is a costly misconception. Financial experts, including Money Saving Expert, emphasise that even a claim worth as little as 50p per week is vitally important.
Pension Credit's superpower is its role as a 'gateway benefit'. Successfully claiming it automatically qualifies individuals for a host of other financial supports. On average, this benefit is worth around £2,100 a year for a pensioner household, with over 760,000 households currently missing out.
Additional Perks Beyond the Free TV Licence
While the free TV Licence is a major perk, the advantages of claiming Pension Credit extend much further. Successful claimants can also access:
- The Warm Home Discount to help with energy bills.
- Significant reductions on their council tax.
- Other potential discounts and offers designed to support those on a lower income.
The call to action comes at a critical time, as the TV Licence fee is set to rise above £180 in 2026, making it an even heavier burden for those on a fixed income. All state pensioners with a low income are strongly encouraged to check their eligibility for Pension Credit immediately.
