There will be an increase in the TV licence fee in April 2025, rising to £174.50, an increase of £5 from the current fee of £169.50. The fee is set to increase each year until 2027. The licence fee funds a significant portion of the BBC’s operations and can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. However, households that are on Pension Credit and over a certain age may be eligible for a reduced fee or even a free TV licence. Pension Credit is a government benefit that tops up a pensioner’s income to a minimum level and comes with additional perks, including a free TV licence for those over 75.
To qualify for Pension Credit, individuals must meet certain income criteria. Those who receive the benefit can access additional financial support, such as the winter fuel allowance. Individuals with disabilities can receive an extra £81.50 per week in addition to Pension Credit. To apply for the TV licence discount, individuals can contact the TV licensing website or call a designated phone number. Pension Credit opens the door to other forms of support, including housing benefits, cost of living payments, council tax reductions, and the winter fuel payment.
To watch or record live TV, individuals are required to have a TV licence, which includes all programs on any channel, whether watched on a TV or digital device. Failure to have a TV licence while watching live TV can result in fines. The cost of a colour TV licence is currently £169.50 per year, while a black and white TV licence costs £57 annually. Pension Credit recipients may also qualify for the “savings credit” part of the benefit, which provides additional financial support based on savings for retirement.
Applying for Pension Credit can be done up to four months before reaching State Pension age, and applicants will need to provide information about income, savings, and investments. Help with the application process can be obtained from charities and non-profit organizations. Additionally, individuals can use benefits calculators to determine if they are eligible for additional financial support they may not be currently receiving. These calculators can help estimate entitlements to various benefits, tax credits, and Universal Credit.
Overall, individuals who may be struggling financially or missing out on benefits should explore opportunities for additional support through programs like Pension Credit and benefits calculators. By taking advantage of these resources, individuals can ensure they are receiving the financial assistance they are entitled to and potentially reduce their TV licence fee or other expenses.
