Over 1,000 Charnwood pensioners missing out
Free TV licence included with Pension Credit
MORE THAN 1,000 pensioners in Charnwood are missing out on a free TV licence according to national poverty charity Turn2Us.
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 9,166 people in Leicestershire who are entitled to Pension Credit are not claiming it.
That figure includes 1,279 pensioners in Charnwood and 693cin North West Leicestershire.
It 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 license.
“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 9,166 people not claiming in Leicestershire works out as 11% of the total population of those aged 75 and over, although not everyone will be eligible.
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.
Guy Opperman, Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion, said: “Currently, 1.5 million older people across Great Britain receive extra financial help through Pension Credit.
“But there are still a significant number of older people who might be missing out.
“We’re keen to get the message out there that everyone should claim the benefits they’re entitled to and I would encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible for Pension Credit to check.
“It only takes a few minutes for people to check that they are getting all they’re entitled to.”