TV licence warning issued as 589,000 pensioners missing out on free scheme – are you?
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Since August 1, the BBC introduced a new concessionary TV licence scheme, following a shift from the Government being responsible for funding free TV licences for over 75s to the BBC. Under the new rules, those who are aged 75 or older and in receipt of Pension Credit don’t need to pay the annual charge, while all other over 75s will need to pay.
However, more than 589,000 eligible pensioners are missing out on the scheme, according to data analysed by national poverty charity, Turn2us.
The findings show that a substantial number of retired adults are missing out on Pension Credit payments – which are potentially worth hundreds of pounds each week – as well as the free TV licence.
It is estimated that only 61 percent of those eligible actually claim their entitlement to Pension Credit.
As of March 2019, there were 4.6 million free TV licences in the UK, accounting for 17.6 percent of all TV licences.
Should everyone claim their Pension Credit, then around 1.5 million households with a pensioner over the age of 75 would have a free TV licence.
Not only that, but these households would also have a potentially significant weekly payment from the income-related benefit.
As part of the analysis, Turn2us has shared the regional breakdown of unclaimed Pension Credit.
The region with the highest minimum number of pensioners over 75 not claiming their Pension Credit entitlement is the North West.
Meanwhile, the area with the least is the North East.
Region – Minimum number of pensioners over 75 not claiming their Pension Credit entitlement
East Midlands – 42,380
East of England – 49,598
London – 70,965
North East – 31,891
North West – 75,354
Scotland – 54,193
South East – 64,621
South West – 50,637
Wales – 35,712
West Midlands – 60,567
Yorkshire and the Humber – 53,568
Anna Stevenson, Welfare Benefit Expert, at Turn2us said: “Pension Credit is a lifeline for older people stuck on low incomes in retirement, and now it is the only route to getting a free TV licence.
“So it is more important, now than ever, to claim it.
“The extra income, and so called ‘passport-benefits’ that Pension Credit unlocks, can go a long way to helping many older people keep their head above water and avoid being pulled into poverty.
“We urge everyone of pension age to use the Turn2us Benefits Calculator and find out if you are entitled to Pension Credit then make that claim.”
Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion, Guy Opperman said: “Currently, 1.5 million older people across Great Britain receive extra financial help through Pension Credit.
“But there are still a significant number of older people who might be missing out.
“We’re keen to get the message out there that everyone should claim the benefits they’re entitled to and I would encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible for Pension Credit to check.
“It only takes a few minutes for people to check that they are getting all they’re entitled to. Visit gov.uk/pension-credit or call 0800 99 1234.”
How to claim Pension Credit
Turn2us hosts a benefits calculator, which can be used to see whether one is eligible for Pension Credit.
Those who may be entitled are directed to contact the government’s Pension Credit team either by telephone on 0800 99 1234, textphone 0800 169 0133, or online at GOV.UK.
The claim for Pension Credit can be backdated for up to three months.
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