Older people urged to claim Pension Credit to ensure they can access a free TV licence

OLDER people across Greater Manchester are being urged to make sure they are claiming the Pension Credit they are entitled to following changes to the TV licence fee.

The call comes after recent changes, introduced on August 1, which mean older people aged 75 and above are no longer automatically entitled to a free television licence and will need to be claiming Pension Credit to have their TV licence paid for.

It is estimated that around £100m worth of Pension Credits are unclaimed in the city-region each year. Almost 50,000 households across Greater Manchester are not claiming the credits that they are eligible for.

As well as a free television licence, Pension Credit can also open up access to other additional benefits, which can in some cases add up to £1,000s per year for residents. Some additional benefits include free dental treatment, help buying glasses and transport costs to hospital.

Currently, the average Pension Credit claim in Greater Manchester is around £60 per week or £3,000 a year.

Councillor Brenda Warrington, Greater Manchester’s Lead for Ageing and Equalities, said: “Research suggests that tens of millions of pounds in Pension Credits are going unclaimed in Greater Manchester each year and with the end of the automatic free TV licence there couldn’t be a better time to see if you are eligible to claim.

“Pension Credits offer a range of benefits, not just the free television licence so I would urge everyone to make sure they are claiming and access all of the benefits available to them, especially at a time when we know many people are struggling financially.

“If you have a family member who you think could be eligible please take the time to support them in claiming to ensure they are accessing all the benefits available to them.”

To find out more and claim Pension Credit visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim or alternatively call 0800 99 1234.

Article Published: 06/08/2020 08:58 AM