Your cut-out & keep guide on who can claim free TV benefit

Do you still qualify for a free over-75s TV licence?

People over 75 who claim Pension Credit are still eligible to receive a TV licence paid for by the BBC, even after August 1. Government figures suggest this could benefit as many as 1.5 million households. But around 590,000 of those who are eligible to claim pension credit are currently missing out.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “As many as two in five of all the pensioners on the lowest incomes do not receive this benefit, even though they are entitled to it.” To still be eligible for a

free TV licence, the licence holder must be 75 years or older and you, or your partner living at the same address, must receive Pension Credit.

TV Licensing will be writing to all over-75 licence holders in the next few weeks to let them know what action they will need to take for their next licence.

What is Pension Credit?

It is an income-related benefit designed to top up low incomes and made up of Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income if it’s below £173.75 (for single people) or £265.20 (for couples). You may still be eligible if

you have savings, a pension or your own home. Savings Credit is an extra payment for people who saved some money towards their retirement, for example a pension.

You may not be eligible for Savings Credit if you reached State Pension age on or after April 2016. You do not pay tax on Pension Credit.

If you don’t have Pension Credit but think you may be eligible, you can find out more at gov.uk/pension-credit. You can make a claim for Pension Credit online or by calling 0800 99 1234 (opening hours are 9.30am-6pm).