Pensioners are being urged to check if they can get their TV licence for free. People aged over 75 can reduce their bill to £0 if they are eligible for the perk. The free licence is available to pensioners on low income, and the main eligibility criteria is that the householder must claim Pension Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Current TV Licence Costs
A TV Licence currently costs £180 per year, or £60.50 per year for a black and white TV set. Households need a licence by law to watch or record programmes on a TV, computer, or other device on any channel or service as they are broadcast – including on-demand BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer, as well as live events on streaming services.
Eligibility for Free TV Licence
Not all pensioners can get a free TV licence. To qualify, you must be aged over 75 and claim Pension Credit from the Government. Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. You can get it even if you have other income, savings or own your own home. It tops up your weekly income to £238 if you’re single, or your joint weekly income to £363.25 if you have a partner.
You may get extra amounts if you have other responsibilities and costs. The top up and extra amounts are known as ‘Guarantee Credit’.
Additional Benefits of Pension Credit
Claiming Pension Credit also entitles you to other support, including:
- Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
- Cold Weather Payments (or Winter Heating Payments in Scotland)
- Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
- a Council Tax Reduction
- help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit
- help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house
50% Discount for Blind Individuals
If you are blind (severely sight impaired) and can provide the appropriate evidence, you are eligible to apply for a 50% concession. Your licence will also cover anyone who lives with you. If you are partially sighted (sight impaired) you are not eligible.
