Free TV licences are available for those aged 75 and over

Anyone aged 75 or over is eligible for a free licence for their main address. There are currently 1,700 free TV licences in force in Larne - and with some 4.9 million adults over the age of 75 living in the UK, TV Licensing is encouraging those able to claim the concession to apply online or by phone.

Eligible people can register online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/over75 or by calling 0300 790 6073. The free licence will cover all the equipment in the property, meaning family or carers living in the same home could also benefit.

Anyone aged 74 or over can begin planning for the concession immediately by applying for a short-term licence which will last between one and 11 months.

Anne O’Reilly, Age NI chief executive said the organisation worked with TV Licensing throughout the year to ensure older people were aware of the concession.

SHe added: “Age NI aims to ensure that older people, their families and carers are kept updated with all relevant information which can help offset the continuing rises in the cost of living.

“The free TV licence for those aged 75 or over is an important concession and we are working with the TV Licensing community relations team in Northern Ireland to ensure households are aware of this and the short-term licence.

“We would encourage those who are already 75 and have not yet applied for their free licence to contact TV Licensing.

“Those aged 74 should also get in touch so that a short term licence can be arranged.”

Deborah King, spokesperson for TV Licensing NI, said the application process was simple, with additional support available for anyone needing help to apply.

She added: “Applying for a free licence is simple and, once you have one, TV Licensing will send a new licence once every three years, cutting down on excess paperwork.

“It’s quick and easy to apply either online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/over75 or by calling our contact centre for extra help on 0300 790 6073.”

The free licence is not granted automatically, so anybody who becomes eligible needs to make sure they remember to apply by getting in touch with TV Licensing directly.

Customers with a free TV Licence are reminded to contact TV Licensing if there is a change to their name, address or telephone details.