What Is The Latest On Television Licences?

[Barsel]

My cousin was 75 yrs old in February this year. I asked if she was still paying for her licence and she is.I thought they were free once you turn 75 but she said she hadn't heard of that, so she continues to pay.I remember a big fuss a while ago when one minute you didn't have to pay, and then you did. What is the latest on this please?

[bookbinder]

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/about/media-centre/news/tv-licensing-reminder-about-free-over-75-licence-NEWS44

[MartinMillar]

From 1 August 2020, the BBC are introducing a new scheme that offers some over 75 households a free TV Licence.
To be eligible:
The licence holder must be 75 years or older
AND
you, or your partner living at the same address, must receive Pension Credit
This also applies if you currently have a free over 75 TV Licence that is due to expire at the end of July.

[Mamyalynne]

https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/age?wt.mc_id=bbc_pr_o75_english#:~:text=If%20you're%20aged%2075,you%20will%20need%20to%20do.

[Mamyalynne]

Sorry Martin, didn't refresh the page.

[Buenchico]

^^^ That link from BB is for an old press release. (The reference to '2016-17' in the final paragraph makes that clear).

Up-to-date information can be found here:
https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/aged-74-and-over-aud3

[Maydup]

And ...... Does an over 75 who no longer qualifies for a free TV licence need to buy one on 1st August, or only when their current free licence expiries?

[lankeela]

If you are aged 75 or over and hold a free TV Licence which has expired or is due to expire on the 31st July 2020, you don’t need to do anything to stay licensed until we contact you.

We will write to all over 75 licence holders starting in August. This letter will let you know what action you’ll need to take for your next licence.

[Buenchico]

^^^ In response to Maydup's question . . .

"Anyone who does not receive Pension Credit will have to pay for their TV Licence for the period starting on 1 August 2020 but you do not have to do or pay anything until we write to you"
https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/generalnotice

[Maydup]

Thank you, checking for a relative who is easily concerned when things change!

[Barsel]

Just to summarise. TV Licencing will be writing to everyone as from August 1st 2020 if they are 75 yrs old?
If they hold a free licence, they will have to buy one unless they are on Pension Credit in which case it will be free?
You have to show proof you are on Pension Credit by sending a photocopy of your letter from the DWP?
Just want to make sure I have this right before I tell my cousin.

[Mamyalynne]

They will contract 75+ year olds who currently have a free licence. Yes.

Those who wish to apply because they are over 75 and on PC but have never had a free licence will need to apply for a free licence.

[Barsel]

Thanks all. Don't know if it's an age thing, but everything seems more complicated to me than it used too.

[bednobs]

Your cousin WILL NOT be written to as she doesn't already have a free licence. Unless she's on pension credit she just needs to carry on as she is