The price of a TV licence will rise from £169.50 to £174.50 from April 1 – but if you claim Pension Credit and you’re over the age of 75, then you’re entitled to a free TV licence
The TV licence fee is rising from this spring – but thousands of people don’t need to pay for one.
The price of a TV licence will rise from £169.50 to £174.50 from April 1. But if you claim Pension Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions and you’re over the age of 75, then you’re entitled to a free TV licence. Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single, or to £332.95 if you’re in a couple.
It is usually paid every four week. However, an estimated 880,000 eligible households are missing out on this benefit. You must have reached state pension age and have an income below these amounts to claim the main part of Pension Credit, which is known as guaranteed credit:
- Single: £218.15 a week
- Couple: £332.95 a week
In some cases, you might still be eligible if you have a higher income and you have a severe disability, you’re a carer or you have to pay housing costs. If you reached state pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have savings or a second pension, you may be eligible for the savings credit element of Pension Credit, which is worth:
- Single: £17.01 a week
- Couple: £19.04 a week
You might get additional payments if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. Pension Credit can be backdated by up to three months, as long as you were eligible during that timeframe. It is worth asking for help from a relative if you’re struggling with the application process.
Pension Credit – how do I apply?
You can apply for Pension Credit on GOV.UK, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by printing out and filling in a paper application form. You can apply up to four months before you reach state pension age. You will need the following information to hand:
- Your National Insurance number
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have
- Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually three months ago or the date you reached state pension age)
- Your bank, building society or credit union account details
The guaranteed credit part of Pension Credit is increasing by 4.1% from April 2025. This main part of Pension Credit will rise to £227.10 per week for single claimants, and to £346.60 per week for couples, from April 6. Pension Credit also now unlocks the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300 every year.
