Television Licences: Older People

(asked on 29th January 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Minister of State, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on increasing the take-up of Pension Credit by pensioners who are eligible for that benefit ahead of the withdrawal of free TV licences for people over 75.


Answered by
Nigel Adams Portrait
Nigel Adams
This question was answered on 3rd February 2020

Policy responsibility for take-up of Pension Credit is a matter solely for the Department for Work and Pensions.

However, the Government is committed to ensuring that older people receive the support they are entitled to and the DWP targets activity on engaging with people who may be eligible to benefits at pivotal stages, such as when they claim State Pension or report a change in their circumstances.

The DWP uses a wide range of channels to communicate information about benefits to potential customers; including information on https://gov.uk/, in leaflets and by telephone. DWP staff in Pension Centres and Jobcentres including visiting officers are able to provide help and advice about entitlement to benefits, as are staff in Local Authorities who administer Housing Benefit.

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