BIG BENEFITS: Pension Credit can boost your weekly income and unlock extra benefits such as free dental care and a free TV licence (Image: Getty\/Westend61)<\/p>\n
State pensioners born in specific years could be entitled to a free TV licence, following an eligibility rule linked to age and benefits. Anyone in the UK aged 75 or over who receives\u00a0Pension Credit\u00a0is entitled to a TV licence at no cost<\/a>. <\/p>\n This means those born in\u00a01950\u00a0who have already turned 75 this year and who claim the benefit can apply<\/a> to have the \u00a3174.50 annual fee waived. A TV licence<\/a> is legally required to watch or record\u00a0live television\u00a0on any channel or to use\u00a0BBC iPlayer\u00a0for live or catch-up viewing. <\/p>\n Households that only use other streaming platforms – such as\u00a0Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, ITVX, All 4, My5\u00a0or\u00a0YouTube – for on-demand or catch-up shows do not need a licence. However, watching live broadcasts via these services would still require one.<\/p>\n Failure to have a valid licence while watching or recording live TV can result in a fine of up to\u00a0\u00a31,000, or\u00a0\u00a32,000\u00a0in Guernsey.<\/p>\n MORE MONEY NEWSWhat is Pension Credit and who can claim?<\/p>\n Pension Credit<\/a> is a benefit designed to boost the income of people over state pension age. On average, it is worth\u00a0over \u00a33,900 a year, but around\u00a0800,000 eligible households\u00a0are thought to be missing out.<\/p>\n The main element, known as\u00a0Guarantee Credit, tops up weekly income to at least\u00a0\u00a3227.10\u00a0for single people and\u00a0\u00a3346.60 for couples. Eligibility is generally based on having an income below these thresholds, although people with higher incomes may still qualify if they have a disability, are carers, or face certain housing costs.<\/p>\n An additional\u00a0Savings Credit\u00a0element is available to some, including those who reached state pension age before April 6, 2016. This is worth up to\u00a0\u00a317.30 a week\u00a0for single pensioners or\u00a0\u00a319.36\u00a0for couples.<\/p>\n Pension Credit<\/a> can also provide access to further support, including\u00a0free NHS dental treatment, help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses, help with heating bill and council tax reductions.<\/p>\n How to apply<\/p>\n Applications for Pension Credit can be made up to\u00a0four months before reaching state pension age. To apply, visit\u00a0GOV.UK<\/a>, call\u00a00800 99 1234, or submit a paper application form.<\/p>\n Applicants will need:<\/p>\n\n