Pensioners missing out on claiming free TV licence
OAPs urged to find out if they qualify
More than one in every nine pensioners in Scotland is missing out on a free TV licence - and here’s how to check if you’re eligible.
From August 1, the BBC introduced a new concessionary TV licence scheme for people aged 75 and over, if they are in receipt of Pension Credit.
However, national poverty charity Turn2Us estimate that at least 54,193 people in Scotland who are entitled to Pension Credit are not claiming it.
In Renfrewshire 1,947 people - or 13 per cent - aged 75 and over who are entitled to are not claiming Pension Credit and in neighbouring East Renfrewshire the figure is 695 or eight per cent.
This means that not only are they missing out on a payment that is potentially worth hundreds of pounds a week, they will lose their free TV license as a result.
Anna Stevenson, welfare benefit expert at Turn2Us, said: “Pension Credit is a lifeline for older people stuck on low incomes in retirement, and now it is the only route to getting a free TV licence.
“So it is more important, now than ever, to claim it.
“The extra income, and so called ‘passport-benefits’ that Pension Credit unlocks, can go a long way to helping many older people keep their head above water and avoid being pulled into poverty.
“We urge everyone of pension age to use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator and find out if you are entitled to Pension Credit then make that claim.”
The 54,193 people not claiming in Scotland works out as 12 per cent of the total population of those aged 75 and over, although not everyone will be eligible.
The figure ranges from six per cent in places like East Dunbartonshire to 22 percent of those in Glasgow.
As well as using the Turn2us Benefits Calculator to find out if you are entitled, you can visit gov. uk/ pension- credit or call the Pensions Credit team on 0800 99 1234.
You will need your National Insurance number, your weekly income, details of savings and investment, and information on housing costs.
Your claim for Pension Credit can then be backdated up to three months.
Pension Credit is a lifeline for older people on low incomes and now it is the only route to getting a free TV licence