Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Elderly urged to check if they can still get free TV
Concerns over pension credit
Monklands residents aged over 75 are being encouraged to check if they are eligible for pension credit – which could then allow them to continue receiving a free TV licence after next month’s fee change.
The majority of pensioners will have to pay £154.50 per year for their viewing from August 1, when the current scheme of automatic free licences for those aged over 75 ends – with only those receiving pension credits remaining eligible.
However, older people’s charity Age Scotland says 100,000 people – around four in 10 of those who are eligible for the benefit – are not receiving it, and they are encouraging older people to contact their helpline for a full benefits check to identify everything they are entitled to claim.
They are also highlighting the “significant danger” posed by scammers taking advantage of the forthcoming changes, and have urged people not to reply to emails asking for bank details to pay for their TV licence, or to give such details over the phone to callers claiming to be from the TV Licencing Authority.
Age Scotland chief executive Brian Sloan said: “The decision to scrap free TV licences for over 75s is a cruel blow to hundreds of thousands of older people in Scotland and the timing is appalling, coming as it does during an uniquely challenging time for one of our most vulnerable populations.
“We have a real fear that many vulnerable and lonely older people who are faced with the stark choice of whether to pay to watch TV or pay for other essentials, such as heating or food, will choose TV and end up suffering as a result.” He said of the benefits check helpline: “We would urge older people to call to find out if they are entitled to pension credit – this is a hugely underclaimed benefit which can make a real difference to the lives of those on a very low income.”
The decision to scrap free TV licences for the over-75s cam under criticism from Airdrie MP Neil Gray, who said: “I don’t think it is fair that someone could miss out on pension credits by 1p but will need to pay the full licence fee.
“Older residents in Airdrie & Shotts, and across the UK in general, need help and assistance to enjoy their later years, not added worry and stress.
“For many of the 5996 over-75s in Airdrie & Shotts, TV is their only form of company, and they will be lost without it if paying the licence fee becomes one bill too many.”
Age Scotland’s free and confidential helpline is available from 9am to 5pm on weekdays by calling 0800 12 44 222, while the charity’s website at agescotland.org. uk also has a wide range of information on issues such as pension credit and scams awareness.