State pensioners are celebrating as they wake up to a whopping £169 reduction in their BBC TV licence bills, with charges now slashed to a grand total of £0. The zero bills are being hailed by state pensioners who’ve discovered they can cut their bill by an astonishing 100 per cent.
BBC viewers over the age of 75 who are claiming pension credit can enjoy a free TV licence, pocketing them savings of up to £169.50 annually. It’s against the law to watch live TV without a licence, and fines can reach up to £1,000 for those caught in the act – however, exemptions do exist, according to TV Licensing.
Pensioners aged 75 or above could be eligible for a free licence if they’re on pension credit. Those over 75 not receiving pension credit will need to fork out for a TV licence, which can cost as much as £169.50 a year.
A free licence is also available if your partner is the one claiming pension credit. 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.”
