State pensioners could claim freebie benefit as calls to axe fee grow

In order to watch or stream live television programming, every household needs to pay the TV licence fee, which is currently £180 a year.

While some concessions are available, retirees are only exempt from the levy if they claim the means-tested benefit support Pension Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

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The petition, created by Michael Thompson, has currently amassed more than 13,200 signatures and needs 100,000 to be debated in Parliament.

It states: “We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age. When people reach retirement age, we think they should receive a state-financed free TV licence.

“Many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company. With the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession.

“We feel it is a double outrage that those who have given their all to this country in taxes and raising children have to pay a TV licence fee and are only exempt if they receive means-tested Pension Credit. Meanwhile, some media figures draw huge salaries.”

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Who is eligible for a free TV licence?

Here is a full breakdown of who currently qualifies for a free or discounted licence:

• Those 75 years old or over who receive Pension Credit, will apply to everyone living in the same household as the claimant
• People who are blind or have a severe sight impairment can claim a 50 per cent discount on their licence
• Residents in a care home or sheltered housing could be eligible for an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) licence, which costs £7.50

It should be noted that those who receive a RAC licence will need it to watch programming in their private space; not their communal living area.