Over 75? You could be due a free TV licence – but you’ll need to act to get it

HALF a million older people could be entitled to free TV licences but do not realise it.

Campaigners are urging those over 75 who receive Pension Credit to apply for one immediately, after research showed there are around 50,000 of them who have not claimed their freebie, worth £169.50 a year.

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The free licence is not applied automatically for Pension Credit claimants, and many of them do not realise they have to claim separately.

In addition, there are thought to be around 425,000 over-75s who are eligible for Pension Credit but are yet to claim it.

This group is also missing out on several other benefits, such as Winter Fuel Payments, worth £200 or £300, and Council Tax Reduction, which could cut your bill by up to 100 per cent.

As part of our ­Winter Fuel SOS campaign, The Sun is urging pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit.

It is known as a “gateway benefit” that gives claimants access to a range of other help.

Since the Government announced that a million ­pensioners would lose their Winter Fuel Payment unless they received Pension Credit, there has been a rise in applications for the benefit, thanks in part to The Sun’s campaign.

But many successful applicants are not aware they need to apply ­separately for some of the other help that Pension Credit entitles them to.

Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “It’s very important to be aware of all the extra financial help available once you’ve been awarded Pension Credit.

“Millions of older people, particularly those who are lonely or housebound with disabilities, rely on their TV as their trusted companion and window on the world.

But many don’t realise that you can get a TV licence for free if you claim Pension Credit. But you need to apply for one.

“You can do so online or by calling TV Licensing direct to complete an application form.

“Pension Credit can also be a ­passport for someone to be eligible for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Winter Fuel Payments.”

Since free licences for all over-75s ended in 2020, the BBC agreed to subsidise licences for any household where there is someone over 75 who qualifies for Pension Credit.

The BBC said it has approved an extra 22,000 licences for those who have signed up for Pension Credit since Christmas.

A TV Licensing spokesman said: “Anyone aged 75 or over who receives Pension Credit can apply for a free TV licence and we would urge anyone who has not yet applied to do so.

“More information can be found on the TV Licensing website or via our customer service team.”

The Department for Work and Pensions estimates that two thirds of people who are entitled to claim Pension Credit are 75 or older, so many are missing out on a free licence.

But campaigners have questioned why pensioners have to apply separately for a free licence.

Dennis Reed, director of senior citizens campaign group Silver Voices, said: “Why can’t a free TV licence be automatically given to those on Pension Credit?”

Now check to see if you or a loved one are entitled to the TV freebie, using our panel below.