589,000 miss out on free TV and benefits
MORE than half a million people aged over 75 are not only missing out on free TV licences but possibly hundreds of pounds in benefits.
All over-75s must now pay for a licence – costing £157.50 a year – unless they receive Pension Credit.
However, data shows 589,000 people eligible for Pension Credit do not actually claim it – and could therefore be missing out on both benefits.
Last night campaigners urged over75s to call a hotline to find out whether they could be due a windfall from missed weekly benefit payments.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “There is no doubt hundreds of thousands of our over-75s will find it really tough to pay for a TV licence from now on.
“Many have already contacted us to tell us about ‘trade-offs’, between say buying a licence or spending a little more every week on food, or on heating through the cold winter months.
Disgraceful
“The biggest problem with Pension Credit is that lots of older people who would qualify don’t claim it, even though it would be such a lifeline.
“Our advice to every older person is to check whether you could be eligible and if there’s any chance you are to put in an application. It won’t cost you anything.”
Poverty charity Turn2us estimated only 61 per cent of those eligible claim, meaning hundreds of thousands of pensioners are missing out and will be forced to pay for a TV licence.
The BBC sparked anger after it forced over-75s to buy a licence for the first time in 20 years when it introduced the new scheme on August 1.
It had been a universal benefit that provided some of the most vulnerable and isolated in the UK with company and comfort and a window on the world at a time of huge uncertainty.
The decision to end the concession was branded “disgraceful” by several celebrities, including Dame Helen Mirren and former Strictly Come Dancing head judge Len Goodman.
Previously, 4.6 million licences were issued for free – 17.6 per cent of the total. If everyone entitled to Pension Credit claimed the benefit, around 1.5 million households would still not have to pay for a TV licence.
In the North West alone more than 75,000 over-75s are not claiming the Pension Credit owed them, figures show. Welfare benefit expert Anna Stevenson said: “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.”
Pensions minister Guy Opperman admitted “a significant number” might be missing out. He added: “I would encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible for Pension Credit to check. It only takes a few minutes.”
●●For help on claiming Pension Credit visit gov.uk/pension-credit or call 0800 99 1234.