'Don't stall, just call!' Martin Lewis warns over-75s may be paying £174.50 TV licence bill unnecessarily

Thousands of pensioners are still paying the full fee when they could be getting it for nothing.

Mr Lewis has stressed the importance of acting quickly, with a simple form potentially saving households a substantial sum.

He highlighted how many eligible pensioners do not realise that claiming Pension Credit is now the key to accessing free TV licences for the over-75s.

The rules around free TV licences changed in 2020, creating widespread confusion among older people.

Prior to that year, everyone aged 75 and over automatically received a free TV licence without having to apply.

That entitlement was removed, meaning only those who receive Pension Credit can now access free licences.

The shift from universal coverage to means-tested support has left numerous households paying when they do not need to.

Mr Lewis has been urging pensioners and their families to check eligibility immediately, as the confusion continues to cost older people money.

To qualify for Pension Credit and a free TV licence, single pensioners need to earn less than about £227 per week.

For couples, the combined income threshold is around £346 weekly.

The process involves first applying for Pension Credit, then once approved, those aged over 75 must apply separately to TV Licensing for their free licence.

Mr Lewis said a five-minute application could save households hundreds of pounds each year.

He has been vocal about raising awareness, noting that many families do not realise their older relatives might qualify.

With the licence fee set at £174.50, it is a significant saving that is going unclaimed by those who need it most.

Mr Lewis has warned that thousands of pensioners are unnecessarily paying the full fee because they have not applied for Pension Credit or do not understand that the free licence is linked to it.

Mr Lewis said: "Don't stall, just call."

He added that Pension Credit is about more than TV costs, opening the door to a package of support that many pensioners are missing out on.

The financial adviser is urging families to speak to elderly relatives, as many eligible pensioners are unaware they qualify or feel overwhelmed by the process.

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Pension Credit also brings further benefits, including reduced council tax, free NHS dental care and help with heating bills through the Warm Home Discount scheme.

Cold Weather Payments during winter months are another element of support.

Mr Lewis said: "This isn't just about a TV licence. It's about unlocking a package of support that too many pensioners are still going without."

With additional benefits available, checking eligibility for Pension Credit could make a real difference to pensioners’ quality of life.