Thousands of individuals born in 1950 could qualify for a complimentary TV licence starting this year. If you are aged 75 or older and receive Pension Credit, you are eligible for a free TV licence, which currently costs £174.50.
Upon turning 75, if you are claiming Pension Credit, you can request a refund for any remaining months on your TV licence after your 75th birthday, provided you have at least one month left on the licence.
A TV licence is required for watching or recording live TV, as well as for viewing content on BBC iPlayer. However, if you solely watch catch-up shows on non-BBC iPlayer streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4, or My5, you do not need a TV licence unless you watch live TV shows through these platforms.
Failure to have a TV licence while watching TV could result in fines of up to £1,000, or £2,000 in Guernsey.
It is estimated that approximately 800,000 eligible households miss out on Pension Credit annually, which aims to boost weekly income. The main component of Pension Credit, Guarantee Credit, can increase weekly income to £227.10 for singles and £346.60 for couples.
Even if your income exceeds certain thresholds, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, are a carer, or have housing costs. Additional financial support is available for carers, disabled individuals, and those responsible for children or young persons.
Applying for Pension Credit can provide access to other benefits such as free dental treatment and eyewear vouchers. The average annual Pension Credit award is over £3,900.
To apply for Pension Credit, visit GOV.UK, call 0800 99 1234, or complete a paper application form. Applications can be submitted up to four months before reaching state pension age.