State pensioners can get their TV Licence reduced from £180 to £0 in just 16 minutes by claiming Pension Credit. This benefit acts as a gateway to free TV Licences, saving eligible pensioners the full annual fee.
Quick and Simple Online Application
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has updated the online claim form based on feedback from pensioners, making the process faster and easier. On average, it now takes only 16 minutes to apply for Pension Credit, with 90 percent of new customers using the simple online form or applying over the phone.
Successful applicants can receive up to £4,300 in additional support. The Government is forecast to spend £174.8 billion on benefits for pensioners in Great Britain in 2025-26, including £146.6 billion on the State Pension.
Triple Lock Commitment
The government’s commitment to the Triple Lock for the entirety of this Parliament means spending on State Pensions is forecast to rise by over £31 billion. This ensures pensioners' incomes keep pace with inflation, wage growth, or 2.5 percent, whichever is highest.
Expert Advice on Claiming
Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London, said: "There was a lot of focus on December’s deadline to claim Pension Credit in order to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment for 2024, but people can apply for Pension Credit any time, and it could be worth over £4,000 a year."
She added: "Our research shows that many people are missing out because they haven’t checked to see if they qualify. Three in ten people over State Pension age who were on a low income hadn’t checked to see if they were entitled to Pension Credit, while one in ten pensioners who had been told they qualified for Pension Credit have yet to apply."
How to Apply
- Apply online via the DWP website or over the phone
- Claims can be backdated by up to three months
- Eligibility also unlocks help with rent and Council Tax
Pennells concluded: "You can backdate your claim for Pension Credit by up to three months, and the sooner you claim, the sooner you could start receiving payments. Not only that, but, if you’re entitled to Pension Credit, you’ll be able to get extra help with costs such as rent and Council Tax, which could make a big difference."
