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?
Richard_ScopePosts: 3,648Scope online community team
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.
Scope Specialist Information Officer and Cerebral Palsy Programme Lead
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.
⬇️ I created one of the campaign election videos for Labour, and Jeremy Corbyn, This is a new version of Emeli Sande, Hope "You Are Not Alone
I highlighted everything that's wrong with this country from benefits, NHS, UC etc, but now we have to put up with the hate now that is the Tories.
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.
@Wotsup hi, you have commented on a thread that’s more than 2 years old.
I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
Well, it may be of use to someone, if not, then no worries? What's the problem with that?
I don't think that @poppy123456 inferred that there was a problem, but as i'm here I don't think that the licence fee is a bad thing and at £3.50 per week per household it offers excellent value, I cannot think of a single thing that cost that amount offers such value
2024 The year of the general election...the time for change is coming 💡
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.
personal information not suitable for public viewing like address, email or phone number
not relevant to the community
medical advice
It's fine to correct someone and share information, but please ensure that future posts and comments you make remain respectful in tone, and contribute towards civil discussion and debate.
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?
Scope’s Disability Energy Support service is open to any disabled household in England or Wales in which one or more disabled people live. You can get free advice from an expert adviser on managing energy debt, switching tariffs, contacting your supplier and more. Find out more information by visiting our Disability Energy Support webpage.
