Overview

• New analysis suggests about 761,000 state pensioners are not claiming Pension Credit, losing roughly £2,121 a year each.
• Pension Credit entitlement is required for a free TV licence at age 75 or over, with separate local rules in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
• TV Licensing confirms it checks Department for Work and Pensions records and requires name matches, with eligible households’ TV licence bills reduced to £0.
• People already receiving Pension Credit can apply at 74 to bridge payments until their 75th birthday, and other concessions remain available for care homes, severe sight impairment and black‑and‑white viewing.
• TV Licensing has warned of active scam messages about free licences and advises verifying sender domains, watching for email spoofing, and noting it will not request sensitive details by email or text.