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Getting help with the UK TV Digital Switchover

The UK Digital Switchover completed in October 2012. The Government's Help Scheme referred to on this page is now closed to new applications, as the switchover is complete. This page has been left here for reference

Help for the elderly or disabled?

Site visitor N Harper asks:

"The UK Government has indicated that it will offer assistance to the disabled & pensioners regarding the Digital Switchover. Can you confirm this please, and if so, how do I go about making a claim?"

Yes. That's correct. There is a scheme that will provide equipment and installation help to convert one TV set for certain people.

Who is eligible for digital TV Switchover help?

The Digital TV Switchover Help Scheme is available to people aged 75 years and over.

Additionally, help may be available to people in one or more of the following categories:

Those receiving Attendance Allowance
Those receiving Constant Attendance Allowance
Those receiving Disability Living Allowance
Those receiving Mobility Supplement
Those that have lived in a care home for over 6 months
Registered blind or partially sighted people

What help is offered by the Switchover Help Scheme?

Provision of easy-to-use equipment for one TV set
Help with installation of the equipment
An aerial check, and aerial replacement if one's needed
A demonstration of how to use the equipment
12 months of aftercare, plus a freephone helpline

The cost of the Help Scheme?

If you are eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme and get any of the following, the help will be free:

Pension Credit,
Income Support,
Income-related employment and support allowance, or
Income-based jobseekers allowance.

Others eligible for the scheme will be asked to contribute the first £40.

How do I get the help? What happens next?

If you are eligible for help under the scheme, you will be sent more information (in the form of a letter) well before your area goes digital.

Alternatively, you can get advice on the scheme by calling 0800 408 5900 - This help line is operated by the BBC and the call is free from a UK landline. Lines open from 8am to 8pm weekdays, and 8am to 6pm at weekends.