Millions missing out on watching TV for free
Check now! Around 1.75 million households could save £170 a year with a free TV licence using this little-known rule.
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In the UK, anyone who tunes into live television, including popular channels like the BBC, ITV, and Sky, is required to purchase a TV licence.
(If you don’t, could you ditch your TV licence too).
For most, this means paying £169.50 annually for a colour TV.
However, a significant benefit exists for those over the age of 75 who are on Pension Credit — they are eligible for a free TV licence, potentially saving £170 each year.
Millions in benefits unclaimed
Shockingly, over £249 million in free TV licences go unclaimed each year, as reported by Policy in Practice.
This missed opportunity affects over one million pensioners who could take advantage of this rule but haven’t yet applied.
Why this matters to you
While the main readers here, you, my friend, are generally quite a bit younger, you might be wondering why we’re mentioning it.
The information is for the older generation, but it’s crucial for younger people too.
Understanding and sharing this can help ensure that your parents or grandparents aren’t missing out on benefits they’re entitled to.
It’s about looking out for each other and making sure everyone gets the support they need.
Plus, remembering that this may still be around when we get old enough to claim it! Or, it might not…
The issue with Pension Credit
One reason more people aren’t claiming this free licence is the lack of claiming Pension Credit itself.
Eligibility for a free TV licence is linked to receiving Pension Credit, but as of last year, nearly 1.5 million older adults eligible for this credit haven’t claimed it.
This group is missing out on not only the free TV licence but also up to £2,677 annually in additional financial support.
Who qualifies for Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is for retirees over the State Pension age of 66 who live in England, Scotland, or Wales.
It’s designed for those with a weekly income below £218.15 for singles, and £332.95 for couples.
This credit takes into account most pensions and benefits but excludes things like Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
How much could you receive?
Pension Credit comes in two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
Guarantee Credit ensures a minimum weekly income of £218.15 for singles and £332.95 for couples.
Savings Credit adds a little extra for those who have saved for retirement, up to £17.01 weekly for singles and £19.04 for couples.
You can work out how much you’d get here, although it’s usually around £75 extra a week.
Applying is simple
Applying for Pension Credit can be done up to four months before reaching State Pension age.
You can apply online or by phone, and it’s possible to backdate your claim for up to three months.
With a significant amount of money left unclaimed each year, checking eligibility for Pension Credit and a free TV licence is a small step that could lead to significant savings for eligible seniors.
This is not just about saving money; it’s about ensuring that benefits designed to aid our elders are fully taken advantage of.
So, take a moment to discuss this with older family members. It’s a conversation that could lead to substantial savings!
Naomi knows the burden of living on very little and became debt free by following her own money saving tips and tricks. She is an expert on saving money at the supermarket and side hustles.
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