State pensioners can watch BBC for free as £169 licence fee reduced to £0
The BBC licence fee is a legal requirement for anyone watching live TV, but there are a number of exemptions – including for state pensioners who can now watch the BBC for free
State pensioners are rejoicing as they see a whopping £169 slashed from their BBC TV licence bills, with charges plummeting to £0. The zero bills are being hailed by state pensioners who’ve discovered they can slash their bill by an astonishing 100 per cent.
BBC viewers stand to save up to £169.50 annually with a free TV licence. Watching live TV without a licence is illegal, and fines can reach £1,000 for those caught in the act – however, exemptions do exist, according to TV Licensing.
Pensioners aged 75 or over claiming state pension could be eligible for a free licence if they also receive pension credit. Those over 75 not receiving pension credit must pay for their TV licence, which can cost up to £169.50 each year.
A free licence may also be available if your partner claims pension credit but you do not. TV Licensing clarifies on its website: “If you or someone you live with are over 74 and receive Pension Credit you can apply for a free TV Licence. Pension Credit can be in the name of the licence holder, or in their partner’s name if they are a couple.”
“If you or your partner don’t receive Pension Credit you’ll need to continue to pay for your licence. If you live in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man, different conditions may apply. We recommend you apply for a free TV Licence when you’re 74. It makes things simpler when you turn 75.”, reports Birmingham Live.
The statement continues: “If your application is accepted, you’ll still need to pay for your TV Licence until your 75th birthday. So, please don’t change or cancel your current payment method. Find out how to get a free licence and pension credit.”
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