UK pensioners could pocket extra cash this winter by avoiding TV Licence fees. Since April, a TV licence has been priced at £169.50 annually, granting access to live television and BBC services such as iPlayer.
However, those aged 75 and over could potentially eliminate this cost entirely by claiming Pension Credit. This benefit is designed for older individuals above the state pension age on a low income.
Single-person households can claim £201.05 weekly, while couples can receive £306.85 through the benefit. Moreover, Pension Credit can unlock other exclusive support options, including a free TV Licence.
It’s estimated that over 800,000 eligible individuals are yet to claim Pension Credit. Failure to possess a TV Licence could result in fines up to £1,000.
However, licences aren’t required for streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5 – unless watching live shows.
Who is eligible for Pension Credit?
To check eligibility for Pension Credit, older individuals or their relatives can quickly use the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV. UK. Alternatively, pensioners can directly contact the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert assistance and advice is also available.
If you qualify for Pension Credit, you may also be eligible for additional help. In May 2019, the law was altered so that a ‘mixed age couple’ – a pair where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is not – are considered a ‘working age’ couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits.
This implies they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until both partners reach State Pension age. Prior to this DWP change, a mixed age couple could have been eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one partner reached State Pension age.
To use the calculator, details of earnings, benefits and pensions, savings and investments are required. If you have a partner, their details will also be needed.
You will be asked a series of multiple-choice questions. After answering these, a summary screen will display your responses, allowing you to review and amend any answers before submitting.
The Pension Credit calculator will then indicate how much benefit you could receive each week.
Simply click on the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will receive from the DWP, including access to other financial aid. There’s also an option to print your answers from the calculator tool to help fill out the application form more quickly without having to look up the same details again.
Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or a family member to ensure you’re claiming all the financial support you’re entitled to. However, the calculator cannot be used if you or your partner are deferring your State Pension, own more than one property, are self-employed, or have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit.
You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months.
