The cost of a TV licence in the UK is increasing in the spring of 2024, but over 75s receiving Pension Credit are exempt. Thousands are missing out on this benefit.
The cost of a TV licence is set to increase this spring, rising from £169.50 to £174.50 starting April 1. However, thousands of individuals are exempt from paying the fee. If you're over 75 and receive Pension Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions, you qualify for a free TV licence. Pension Credit boosts your weekly income to £218.15 if you're single, or £332.95 if you're part of a couple. It's typically paid every four weeks.
Despite this, it's estimated that around 880,000 eligible households aren't claiming this benefit. To be eligible for the main part of Pension Credit, known as guaranteed credit, you must have reached state pension age and have an income below these amounts. In certain cases, you may still qualify if you have a higher income and either have a severe disability, are a carer, or have housing costs. If you reached state pension age before April 6, 2016, or have savings or a second pension, you might be eligible for the savings credit part of Pension Credit. Additional payments may be available if you're a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. Pension Credit can be backdated up to three months, provided you were eligible during that period. If you're finding the application process difficult, it's worth asking a relative for assistance. You can apply for Pension Credit on the GOV.UK website, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by completing a paper application form. Applications can be made up to four months before reaching state pension age. You will also need: The guaranteed credit part of Pension Credit is set to increase by 4.1% from April 2025. This will see the main part of Pension Credit rise to £227.10 per week for single claimants and £346.60 per week for couples, starting from April 6. Additionally, Pension Credit now also provides access to the Winter Fuel Payment, which could be worth up to £300 annually.
TV Licence Pension Credit Cost Of Living Over 75S UK Benefits
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
BBC Sends Out Millions of Warning Letters Over TV Licence Non-PaymentThe BBC has ramped up its efforts to collect TV Licence fees, sending out nearly 13% more warning letters this year compared to the previous year. Millions of households are being warned they could face a £1,000 fine if they don't secure a licence. This increase coincides with a decline in licence fee revenues and a drop in the number of households paying the fee. Meanwhile, the BBC is exploring alternative funding models, including potentially extending the licence fee to those who use streaming services like Netflix.
Read more »
More than a million households may not need to pay TV licence feeCertain people can get the licence for free, dodging the April fee increase entirely
Read more »
Furious Brits would 'rather live in North Korea' than pay new BBC TV licence feeReports have suggested that households that watch streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ may be forced to pay the fee even though they do not use traditional TV services
Read more »
BBC Licence Fee 'Scam' Sparks Outrage as Brits Face Potential Netflix TaxThe BBC's funding model is under scrutiny with proposals to expand the licence fee, potentially ensnaring streaming service subscribers. This has ignited fury among viewers who see it as a 'scam' and an unfair burden. The debate also touches on the BBC's high salaries and the feasibility of alternative funding methods.
Read more »
UK Households Panic as BBC TV Licence Fee Hike ApproachesWith a looming increase in the BBC TV licence fee and potential rule changes requiring payments even for streaming-only users, UK households are canceling their licences in droves. The proposal, part of the Labour government's plan to revamp the funding model for the public broadcaster, has sparked outrage among viewers who feel unjustly burdened.
Read more »
UK Government Responds to Petition for Free TV Licences for PensionersThe UK Government has responded to an online petition calling for an end to the BBC TV licence fee for those over State Pension age. While not directly addressing the call, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) highlighted existing support for older people, including a free TV licence for those receiving Pension Credit and the Simple Payment Plan, which allows households to spread the cost of the annual fee. The Government stated it is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee and will consider the issue as part of the upcoming Charter Review.
Read more »