You can apply for a free TV Licence if you, as the licence holder, are 75 years or older AND you, or your partner living at the same address, receive DWP Pension Credit.
State pensioners born in 1950 could become eligible for a free TV licence this year thanks to Pension Credit. You can apply for a free TV Licence if you, as the licence holder, are 75 years or older AND you, or your partner living at the same address, receive DWP Pension Credit.
There are separate arrangements in place for over 75s on the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey. If you already receive Pension Credit, you can apply for your free licence when you are 74 years old.
TV Licensing explained: “We’ll update your payments to cover you until your 75th birthday, and then you’ll be covered by your free licence. We’ll confirm this in writing. If you’re blind (severely sight impaired) and can provide the appropriate evidence, you’re eligible to apply for a 50% concession.
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“Once your blind application has been accepted you can then apply for a free TV Licence.” If you don’t have Pension Credit but think you may be eligible for it, it’s worth checking. Pension Credit tops up your retirement income and the average Pension Credit payment is over £67 per week.
You might be eligible even if you have a pension, savings or own your home, and it not only allows you to claim a free TV Licence, but it can also help with housing costs, heating bills, Council tax, NHS dental care, Royal Mail redistribution costs and more.
It’s easy to check if you can get Pension Credit. Just call the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 99 1234 (opening hours 8.00am – 6.00pm) or go to gov.uk/pension-credit. If you live in Northern Ireland, call the Northern Ireland Pension Centre on 0808 100 6165. Or go to nidirect.gov.uk/pension-credit.
Please note, TV Licensing is unable to advise on Pension Credit eligibility. TV Licensing explains: “If you’ve been paying for a TV Licence when you were eligible for a free one, you may be due a refund. We will process this as part of your application.”