Thousands of pensioners aged 75 and over could be exempt from paying the £169.50 television licence fee, provided they receive a specific benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Officials are reminding seniors that eligibility for a free TV licence is directly linked to receiving Pension Credit, a benefit designed to support those with a low retirement income.
Don’t Pay £169.50
| Key Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Age | 75 years or older. TV Licensing |
| Required Benefit | The household must receive Pension Credit. GOV.UK |
| Annual Saving | £169.50 (as of April 2024) |
| Administering Body | Application is made to TV Licensing |
The Pension Credit Gateway to a Free TV Licence
The sole route for pensioners to obtain a free licence is through the receipt of Pension Credit. This policy was implemented after the universal free TV licence for all over-75s was phased out in 2020. The responsibility for funding the concession was transferred from the government to the BBC, which established the new means-tested criteria.
A household with at least one person aged 75 or over qualifies for the free licence if the licence holder receives Pension Credit. According to the DWP, this benefit is a crucial “passport” not only to the licence but also to other financial support, including council tax reductions and help with heating costs.
In a recent statement, the Minister for Pensions has consistently urged eligible individuals to apply, noting that a significant amount of the benefit goes unclaimed each year. “We want to ensure every pensioner receives the support they are entitled to,” a DWP spokesperson reiterated. “Claiming Pension Credit could be the first step to unlocking significant savings, including a free TV licence.”
Understanding the Eligibility Criteria
Navigating the requirements is straightforward, but applicants must meet specific conditions related to both age and income.
The Age and Household Rule
An individual must be 75 years of age or older to qualify. However, the rule applies to the entire household. This means that if a person aged 75 or over lives with a younger partner or family members, the household can still be eligible. The key condition, as outlined by TV Licensing, is that the TV licence must be in the name of the person who is 75 or older.
The Pension Credit Connection
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit administered by the DWP. It provides extra money to help with living costs for people over the State Pension age who are on a low income. It consists of two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for the free TV licence, an individual must be in receipt of Guarantee Credit.
According to government figures, an estimated 880,000 eligible households were not claiming Pension Credit in the 2022-23 financial year. Charities such as Age UK have highlighted this gap, as it prevents many of the most vulnerable pensioners from accessing vital support.
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, has previously stated, “Pension Credit is a game-changer for so many older people, yet a huge number are missing out. It’s not a ‘handout’ but a right, and it opens the door to other crucial support like a free TV licence, which is a lifeline for many.”
How to Apply for the Concession
The process involves two main stages: first securing Pension Credit and then applying to TV Licensing.
- Check and Apply for Pension Credit: Before anything else, individuals must confirm their eligibility for Pension Credit. This can be done using the online calculator on the GOV.UK website. Applications for the benefit can be submitted online, by telephone, or by post.
- Apply to TV Licensing: Once an individual is confirmed as receiving Pension Credit, they can apply for the free licence directly with TV Licensing. The application can be completed online at tvlicensing.co.uk/over75 or by calling their support line. Applicants will need to provide their date of birth, address, and National Insurance number to verify their eligibility.
- Refunds for Previous Payments: TV Licensing states that individuals who were eligible but have continued to pay the licence fee may be able to claim a refund.
The final paragraph of the article should provide a forward-looking statement or a concluding thought. For instance, the ongoing efforts by non-profit organisations to raise awareness about unclaimed benefits remain a central focus in the campaign to support Britain’s elderly population. As living costs continue to be a concern, ensuring all available financial support is claimed is more critical than ever, according to consumer advice groups.
HMRC Told to Raise Inheritance Tax Threshold to £1 Million; What It Means for You?
DWP Offering Up to £1,200 Extra for Universal Credit Claimants: Here’s How to Claim It
DWP Confirms £475 Winter Windfall for State Pensioners; Who will get it? Check Eligibility
FAQs
1. What exactly is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a UK benefit administered by the DWP to top up the income of pensioners on a low income. It is separate from the State Pension and is based on your weekly income, savings, and personal circumstances.
2. What if my partner is under 75?
You can still get a free TV licence if you are 75 or over, receive Pension Credit, and the licence is in your name. Your partner’s age does not affect eligibility as long as these conditions are met for the licence holder.
3. How does TV Licensing check if I receive Pension Credit?
When you apply, TV Licensing will ask for your National Insurance number to verify with the DWP that you are in receipt of Pension Credit. This is a routine data check to confirm eligibility.
4. I think I have been eligible for a while but kept paying. Can I get a refund?
Yes, it may be possible. According to TV Licensing, you can apply for a refund if you find you have been paying for a licence when you were eligible for a free one. You will need to contact them directly to process the claim.
