Older residents urged to enjoy free TV Licence

(Issued 30th October)

As we approach winter, TV Licensing and Age UK are urging anyone over 75 to make sure that they’re claiming their free TV Licence. Budgeting can become more difficult as you get older and so TV Licensing has made it easier than ever to apply for the free over 75 licence. What’s more, if you live with someone aged over 75, their free licence will cover all the equipment in the property, meaning you could also benefit.



Anyone aged 75 or over is entitled to a free TV Licence for their main address, and almost 3.9 million people across the UK are already enjoying the benefits of the concession. There are also more than 44,000 due to turn 75 within the next year who are currently on a short term licence to take them up to their birthday.



TV Licensing have been working with elderly advice groups across the UK to make sure anyone who is eligible is aware of the free over 75 TV Licence.



Michelle Mitchell, charity director for Age UK, said: "Many older people live on low fixed incomes, so the free television licence for people aged 75 and over is a valuable entitlement and we would urge people to make sure they apply this year. Television offers many older people a vital source of information and entertainment, especially for those who find it hard to get out and about.



"It's easy to apply for your free television licence today by calling 0300 790 6073 or going to the TV Licensing website."



Applying for a free licence is easy and once you have done so, TV Licensing will renew it automatically annually for 3 years, cutting down on excess paperwork.



Ian Fannon, TV Licensing spokesperson, said:

“Anyone aged 75 or older is entitled to a free TV Licence, so, if you’re spending time with older relatives in the coming months then make sure they’re taking advantage of the concession.



“Some people may be contacted to about their over 75 licence in the next few weeks to check that their details have not changed. They don’t need to worry though – it is just a routine check to ensure they have not moved home and there is no need to get in touch unless there have been any changes to their situation.”



It’s now easier than ever to apply for the free over 75 licence, thanks to a new online application facility on the TV Licensing website. People applying for their free licence for the first time, or those aged 74 wishing to apply for a short term licence to take them up to their 75th birthday, simply need to fill in a short form at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/over75. Alternatively, they can call 0300 790 6073, or write to TV Licensing, Darlington, DL98 1TL, giving their name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number.



ENDS



Notes to Editor:

For more information, or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please call the TV Licensing press office on 020 7544 3144 or email mediaenquiries@tvlicensing.info



Who needs a TV Licence?

If you use or install television equipment to receive or record television programmes as they are being shown on TV, you need to be covered by a valid TV Licence. Viewing television without a licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000. A colour TV Licence currently cost £145.50. A black and white TV Licence currently costs £49.00. Those over 75 are entitled to a free TV Licence.



Paying for a TV Licence:

TV Licensing aims to make it as easy as possible for people to buy a TV Licence, which is why there are many different ways to pay.

Online – people are now able to pay online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info by Direct Debit or with a debit or credit card

Direct Debit - monthly, quarterly or annual Direct Debit payment schemes are available and can be set up online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/directdebit

Over-the-counter – people can now pay at any of almost 22,000 PayPoint outlets across the country

Debit or credit card over the phone - this facility accepts payment from a range of debit cards including Maestro, Delta and Connect

By post – send a cheque made payable to TV Licensing to: TV Licensing, Darlington, DL98 1TL.

To find out more about paying in weekly instalments over the counter, online, by SMS or by phone on the cash payment plan, call 0300 790 6078 or visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/cashplans

For more information about any of our payment options and concessions, to set up Direct Debit payments or to pay by debit or credit card please visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk or call 0300 790 6112.