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The TV licence fee is set to rise from £169.50 to £174.50 starting April 1, but thousands of individuals are exempt from this increase. Those over 75 who receive Pension Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions 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. Despite this, it’s estimated that around 880,000 eligible households aren’t claiming this benefit.
Eligibility for the main part of Pension Credit, known as guaranteed credit, requires you to have reached state pension age and have an income below these amounts. You may still qualify under certain conditions, such as having a severe disability, being a carer, or having 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 in certain circumstances, according to the Mirror.
Pension Credit can be backdated up to three months if you were eligible during that period. If you’re finding the application process difficult, it’s worth asking a relative for assistance.
How do I apply for Pension Credit?
Pension Credit applications can be made via the GOV.UK website, by phoning 0800 99 1234, or by filling out a paper application form. You can apply up to four months before you reach state pension age.
You’ll need your bank, building society or credit union account details, information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want your application backdated to (usually three months ago or the date you reached state pension age), any additional income, savings and investments details, and your National Insurance number. From April 2025, the guaranteed credit part of Pension Credit is set to rise by 4.1%, taking the main part of Pension Credit to £227.10 per week for single claimants and £346.60 per week for couples from April 6.
Plus, Pension Credit now also grants access to the Winter Fuel Payment, which could be worth up to £300 annually.
