DWP writing to thousands who can come forward for free BBC TV licence

The DWP will write to over-66s who could claim Pension Credit - and it's easier than you think - the government department has also said.

The Department for Work and Pensions is writing to pensioners who are owed a FREE BBC TV licence. The DWP will write to over-66s who could claim Pension Credit - and it's easier than you think - the government department has also said.

The DWP is set to write to a specific group of over 66s who could claim Pension Credit, yet have not done so, to encourage them to apply for the benefit. Pension Credit is a gateway benefit which gives council tax reductions and free BBC TV licences.

Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, explained that the DWP doesn't need HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) data to "match Housing Benefit customers with Pension Credit" because it can use existing departmental information.

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In his written reply to Labour MP Paula Barker, Sir Stephen elaborated: "The government is actively working with external partners and local authorities to boost the uptake of Pension Credit and to target additional support to the poorest pensioners."

He also said: "In November we will also be directly contacting pensioners who are in receipt of Housing Benefit but who may be eligible for, but not currently claiming, Pension Credit - building on last year's 'Invitation to Claim' trial."

The DWP Minister has signalled intentions for the long haul, aiming to "bring together the administration of Pension Credit and Housing Benefit as soon as operationally possible". This move is designed to guarantee that "pensioner households receiving Housing Benefit also receive any Pension Credit to which they are entitled."

You can begin your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim at any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you could receive up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that period.