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<p>In the 2015 funding settlement, the Government agreed with the BBC that responsibility
for the concession would transfer to the BBC. The implementation of the licence fee
and the concession from June 2020 is a matter for the BBC and TV Licensing, which
are independent of Government.</p><p> </p><p>However, we expect the BBC to put in
place robust plans to support those who might be affected. The BBC has said it will
write to all over 75 TV licence holders advising them of how the new policy will work
and when they need to act.</p><p> </p><p>Irrespective of this, 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 claimants; including information on 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.</p><p> </p><p>Potential claimants can use the Pension
Credit calculator to check if they are likely to be eligible and get an estimate of
what they may receive. People wishing to claim Pension Credit can do so by calling
0800 99 1234.</p><p> </p><p>One of the best ways to reach eligible claimants is through
trusted stakeholder working in the community and we have developed the Pension Credit
toolkit, as an on-line tool for agencies and welfare rights organisations to use in
order to encourage Pension Credit take-up.</p><p> </p><p>The toolkit contains resources
for anyone working with pensioners and includes guides to Pension Credit. It also
contains publicity material and guidance designed to help older people understand
how they could get Pension Credit and help organisations support someone applying
for Pension Credit as well as ideas for encouraging take-up. The toolkit also provides
links to information about disability and carers benefits.</p><p> </p><p>Most recently
we have provided to relevant stakeholders a fact sheet about Pension Credit and the
changes introduced on 15 May for mixed age couples to ensure that accurate information
is available in the places where people are most likely to seek information.</p>
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