Does my dad have to pay for his TV licence?

wild_one

So, I'm not sure if anyone can help with this one. I'm asking this question for my dad. The BBC look as though they are means testing TV licences for pensioners (whether this will actually happen I don't know). My dad (84) lives alone on attendance allowance but doesn't qualify for pension credit. My mum lives in a care home (chronic dementia) but does qualify for pension credit. As pension credit seems to be the deciding factor, will he have to pay the licence fee?

Misscleo

I think your dad will be paying for his tv licence cos youv said he dosnt qualify 

Your mom isnt living in your dad's home so her pension credit has no barring  on.your dad's claim.

Richard_Scope

Hi @wild_one
As far as I understand it, pensioners that are not eligible for Pension Credit will have to pay for the T.V. licence in 2020. However, if the change actually happens remains to be seen.

KG100

I wonder if pensioners will actually be prosecuted if they refuse to pay for the licence.
I notice they haven't said yes or no to that question yet !!

Government_needs_reform

I'm afraid he will be subjected to pay for a TV licence and only get a free one if he fits this criteria below.

The BBC will scrap blanket free licences for over-75s, but housesholds with one person who receives Pension Credit will still be eligible.

The BBC said “fairness” was at the heart of the ruling, which comes into force in June 2020.

The only way he may still get it if the ruling is overturned.

wild_one

Personally, I suspect they'll back down on the pensioners, and just wack the licence fee up to compensate?

Richard_Scope

I think that is most likely.

KG100

I wonder if free bus passes will be next to go !!

Government_needs_reform

Here is some further information regarding this topic.

Also to add for anyone who is interested, it's Capita, yes, Capita that collects the tv license fees.. fingers in everything.

Q&A: When will the new charge be introduced and will I be affected? 

When will the licence fee change come in?

June 1, 2020

Who will be affected?

Anyone over the age of 75 will lose their exemption – except those on pension credit.

How many households could be exempt?

Around 3million UK households are eligible for a pension credit – which tops up weekly income to £167.25 for a single person or £255.25 for a couple. People who reached state pension age before April 2016 can also apply for up to £15.35 per couple per week if they have savings. 

Half of those households – 1.5million – have residents over the age of 75, so would be eligible for a free TV licence. However, only around 900,000 actually claim the benefit.

How do I obtain pension credit?

Aimed at retired people on low incomes, both single people and couples, it is means tested but can be worth thousands of pounds a year. Call the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. They will fill in the application for you over the phone. 

You need your national insurance number and bank details along with information about your finances including savings, mortgages, investments and any other assets.

How do you claim a free TV licence?

You will have to show TV Licensing – the arm of the BBC in charge of collecting the charge – proof that you receive pension credit. This could be a copy of the letter you received from the Department for Work and Pensions.

How will it be policed?

TV Licensing will develop and operate an ‘independent self-verification system’ online. It will also provide pensioners who think they are entitled to the pension credit, but do not claim it, details of how to do this.

It is truly a sad day that the tories, and the BBC are actually carrying this out.

Wotsup

Nobody is obliged to pay for a TV licence, (English spelling) whatever their age. 
You can watch any catch up or on demand tv prog like more4, MY5 also including Netflix Utube and Amazon prime along with a few other streaming services, BUT you cannot to watch Iplayer.
You can also watch DVDs and blurays.
TV licensing are bigoted bullies, their letters contain veiled threats, don't let them push you around, for further info, please do a web search on what you can LEGALLY watch, without a licence.

poppy123456

@Wotsup hi, you have commented on a thread that’s more than 2 years old.

Wotsup

Well, it may be of use to someone, if not, then no worries?
What's the problem with that? 

Wotsup

You
saw it.

Wotsup

[Removed by moderator]

TV licence is not £3.50 per household as has been quoted, it is £3.05 AND paying weekly etc, ads further costs too.

UK TV have around 450 channels, and require a TV licence to watch them, yet in comparison, without a licence needed, the likes of the cheapest Netflix, currently offers 15,000 titles for the meager amount of £5.99 per month, yes, per month, (for the benefit of those less able, that is  around £1.50 per week per household, £71.88 per year compared to £159.00).

That blows the “Excellent value”, comment in favour of a TV licence, clean out of the water.)

I originally, simply made a useful contribution here, for the benefit of everyone, [removed by moderator]. Most of you on here are very likely sensible and agreeable people, sadly it seems a choice few, let the side down.

Empty vessels make the most noise.

I have a life to live; no further correspondence will be entered into.

I’m out of here.

Tori_Scope

Hi @Wotsup,

Welcome to the community. 

I've removed some sections of your comment that made personal comments about another member. As our house rules state:

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racyguy

woodbine said:

I'm not really bothered if someone wants to challenge my maths, but the TV licence is and remains excellent value.

We have had a 'free' licence for a couple of years + Pension Credit of £50 a week. Pension Credit closed down, loss of £50 a week and have had to buy a TV licence costing £159 with no change in our other income.
Convince me that the £159 is good value?