There are 800,000+ over state pension age who are eligible but don’t claim
State pensioners can cut TV Licence bill to £0 with one phone call
State pensioners can knock their BBC TV Licence fee to £0 with one phone call. Pension Credit recipients are among those eligible for £0 BBC TV licences, with BBC and ITV star Martin Lewis’ team at Money Saving Expert is among those raising awareness.
Discussing the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) benefit, Mr Lewis said: “There are 800,000+ over state pension age who are eligible but don’t claim.”
Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to via what is known as Guarantee Credit. Your income normally needs to be below these amounts to be eligible and iut in some cases, you might still be able to claim if you have a higher income and you have a severe disability, you’re a carer, or you have to pay housing costs, such as a mortgage.
READ MORE State pensioners born before 1959 warned over ‘overhaul’ which could be ‘bold’
You might get additional payments if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. But as well as giving you extra cash, Pension Credit is also known as a gateway benefit for other money help.
Other perks you may be entitled include a free TV licence if you’re over 75. TV Licensing says: “If you or someone you live with are over 74 and receive Pension Credit you can apply for a free TV Licence. Pension Credit can be in the name of the licence holder, or in their partner’s name if they are a couple.
“If you or your partner don’t receive Pension Credit you’ll need to continue to pay for your licence. If you live in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man, different conditions may apply.
“We recommend you apply for a free TV Licence when you’re 74. It makes things simpler when you turn 75.
“If your application is accepted, you’ll still need to pay for your TV Licence until your 75th birthday. So, please don’t change or cancel your current payment method.”