The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) continues to remind thousands of Brits that they could be eligible for a free TV licence, following two price hikes in the past 18 months.
The fee was first introduced back in June 1946, when television broadcasts resumed post-Second World War, and the landscape of TV has drastically evolved since then.
In recent times, streaming giants such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime have entered the scene. As of 1 April, a TV licence costs £174.50 annually, though many individuals may not be aware that they don’t need to fork out for theirs.
In updates on X, previously known as Twitter, the DWP prompts people: “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.”
It’s believed that there are hundreds of thousands of people across the UK who qualify for Pension Credit but fail to claim it. This benefit not only boosts a person’s income, but also provides access to various freebies and discounts.
These can include a free TV licence for those aged over 75, Housing Benefit if you’re renting your home, support for Mortgage Interest if you’re a homeowner, Council Tax discount, assistance with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport, help with heating expenses, and a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving home.
Pension Credit boosts a claimant’s weekly income to £227.10 for single individuals, or a combined weekly income to £346.60 for those with a partner. Even with higher income levels, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if you’re disabled, provide care for someone, possess savings or face housing costs.
“Income” encompasses State Pension, additional pensions, employment and self-employment earnings, and most social security benefits, including Carer’s Allowance.
Benefits excluded from this calculation are Adult Disability Payment, Attendance Allowance, Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Those with savings worth £10,000 or below may be eligible for Pension Credit. For each £500 held in savings or investments beyond this threshold, it counts as an extra £1 of weekly income.
To find out more about Pension Credit, and whether you may be eligible, click here
