Martin Lewis urges anyone over 75 to complete form and save £174.50

Martin Lewis has urged anyone who is over 75 years to complete a simple form that could help them to save a significant amount of money. The Money Saving Expert shared how the pensioners who are paying yearly for the TV licence can save around £174.50 by filling one quick form.

Before 2020, everyone aged 75 and over got a free TV licence automatically. That changed when the benefit was removed, causing confusion for many older people. Now, only those who receive Pension Credit-a financial support for people on low incomes-are eligible for a free licence. Mr Lewis has now urged pensioners and their families to check eligibility immediately.

He warns that thousands are unnecessarily paying the full £174.50 licence fee each year because they have not applied for Pension Credit or don't realise the free licence is linked to it, reports International Business Times.

He said: "Don't stall, just call," as he pointed out that a five-minute application could save households hundreds of pounds.

Pension Credit offers more than just access to a free TV licence-it helps top up a pensioner's weekly income to a guaranteed minimum and unlocks a range of other financial benefits.

These include reduced council tax, free NHS dental care, support with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount, and Cold Weather Payments during winter.

Single pensioners earning under about £227 a week, and couples with a combined income below £346, may qualify. So the first step is to claim the Pension Credit and if approved over, those above the age of 75 years must apply separately to TV Licensing for the free licence.

With the licence fee rising to £174.50 this year, Mr Lewis is warning families to spread the word to older relatives.

He 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."