State pensioners born before 1960 are benefiting from a significant reduction in their BBC TV Licence fees—from £180 down to £0—thanks to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Pension Credit scheme. Pension Credit boosts your weekly income to a minimum of £238 if you’re single, or £363.25 for couples.
If your income exceeds these amounts, you may still qualify for Pension Credit due to factors such as disability, caring responsibilities, savings, or housing costs. However, eligibility requires you to be at state pension age, currently 66 years or older, meaning those born before 1960 qualify.
Beyond increasing income, Pension Credit opens the door to several valuable benefits. MoneySavingExpert, founded by financial expert Martin Lewis, highlights Pension Credit as a “superpower” benefit, offering access to free TV licences and substantial discounts on bills. These include potential reductions in council tax worth thousands annually and the Warm Home Discount of £150 per year.
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Currently, about 1.4 million people claim Pension Credit and many should have received the free BBC TV Licence as part of their entitlement. According to TV Licensing: if you are aged 75 or over and on Pension Credit, you qualify for a free TV licence covering everyone at your address. You can apply for this free licence up to a year in advance, from age 74, but it activates when you turn 75. The licence can be granted if you or your partner receive Pension Credit.
To claim Pension Credit, visit Gov.uk or call the Pension Service at 0800 99 1234, where assistance with your application is available. You will need your National Insurance number, details about your income, savings, investments, and bank account information. If phone claims are not possible, a friend or family member can request a paper application on your behalf.
Applications for Pension Credit can start up to four months before reaching state pension age. This update comes in the wake of the BBC TV Licence fee increasing to £180 as of April 2026, making this relief an important saving for many pensioners.