The DWP have been pushing more people to apply for State Pension
The DWP have been pushing more people to apply for State Pension(Image: PA)
Some pensioners will have their TV licence bill put back to £0 ahead of a rise to more than £180 next year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has explained that Pension Credit claimants may see their bills reduced.
The DWP wrote on social media channels: “Could you be missing out on Pension Credit? It is worth on average £4,200 a year.
“To receive payment and other benefits check your eligibility for Pension Credit and apply online.”
Claiming Pension Credit unlocks various benefits, such as a free TV licence for individuals over the age of 75. Not only do pensioners get a free TV licence, but they also get access to free prescriptions in addition to £230.25 a week.
The BBC licence fee is expected to exceed £180 next year, raising concerns about the financial future of the national broadcaster.
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Due to high inflation, the fee paid by TV viewers is predicted to increase by nearly £7 in the spring, going up from the current annual rate of £174.50. This puts the yearly fee to more than £180.
Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, has stated that she will uphold the existing agreement, but intends to revise the funding model for the BBC in the future. Speaking about the future of the licence fee at the Labour Party conference last month, Ms Nandy said: “The only thing we’ve ruled out is general taxation.
“If you had a grant from the Government each year, it would be far too easy for politicians to pull that funding and use it as a stick to beat the BBC with. It’s essential we protect the BBC from that.”
A spokesman for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said: “No final decision has yet been made on the exact level of next year’s licence fee.
“We will set this out in due course.” You could also be eligible for a discounted TV licence if you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, or if you’re registered blind.
The licence must be in the name of the registered blind person. If your existing licence is not in their name, you can apply to transfer it.
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