Tune in to free TV

OLDHAMERS are being asked to ensure that elderly relatives are claiming their free TV licence.

TV Licensing and Help the Aged are urging anyone spending time with older relatives over the festive season to make sure that they’re enjoying the concession.

Anyone aged 75 or over is entitled to a free TV Licence, which currently costs £139.50 for colour or £47 for a black and white TV, for their main address.

More than 22,330 people in Oldham already enjoy the benefits and figures show that an additional 373 people will become eligible when they celebrate their 75th birthday in December.

TV Licensing is also reminding people who are already covered by an Over 75 Licence that they will not receive a new paper licence in the post this year.

Last year, TV Licensing introduced a three-year free licence to reduce paperwork for older people.

David Sinclair, head of policy at Help the Aged, said: “Older people often ask Help the Aged for help with completing complicated forms, so the steps taken by TV Licensing to simplify and reduce unnecessary paperwork is a big win for common sense.

“When times are getting financially hard, it is good to know that if you’re over 75 you can still get some things for free. And now, if you renewed your TV Licence after November, 2007, you will not even need to worry about it for a further three years.”

Charlotte Hancock, TV Licensing spokesperson for the North, said: “Anyone aged 75 or older is entitled to a free TV Licence, so, if you’re spending time with older relatives this Christmas, make sure they’re taking advantage of the concession. Applying for a free licence is easy and once you have done so, we will renew it automatically.”

To apply for the free licence contact TV Licensing on 0844-800 5875 with the relevant name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number.

The licence covers the applicant’s main home and any other household members who live at that address. People who are 74 can buy a short-term licence which will cover them until they become eligible to apply for the free licence on their 75th birthday.