THOUSANDS of pensioners are missing out on a free TV licence.
If you are over the age of 75 and receive Pension Credit then you are eligible for a free TV licence.
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Without this benefit a TV licence would set you back £159 per year.
It comes after the Department of Work and Pensions said that around two in five eligible pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit.
Pension Credit could give you an extra £3,000 a year if you are eligible, as well as getting you the free TV licence.
How to claim the Pension Credit
You are eligible for Pension Credit if either you and your partner are both 65 and one of you is in recepit of Housing Benefits.
Your weekly income must be less than £177.10 or your joint income must be less than £270.30 if you have a partner.
If your income is higher you might still be eligible depending on if you have a disability, are a carer, or if you have housing costs.
If you think that you or a family member is eligible for the credit then you will need to apply for it, you will not receive it automatically.
You can apply for it online.
You can check eligibility for the credit by using the DWP’s online calculator.
The calculator will need details of earnings, benefits and pensions, as well as savings and investments.
You can not use the calculator if you or your partner are deferring the state pension, own more than one property, are self employed, or have housing costs that are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit.
Instead you will have to find out about the Pension Credit by calling the DWP’s helpline on 0800 731 0469.
Once you have Pension Credit you can apply for a free TV licence here.
Anyone who is over the age of 75 and eligible for Pension Credit is eligible for a free TV licence.
It comes after the BBC said that it would begin to charge all over 75s for TV licences.
Thousands of pensioners could face fines if they refuse to pay the licence.
However, the Government has said that this will not impact people in receipt of the Pension Credit.
The government urge people to check if they’re eligible for pension credit
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
