The Digital Switchover

The Digital Switchover is causing much confusion as people are still unsure whether they will be eligible for help to adapt their television to receive a digital signal. We have spoken to the helpline provided by the Government and the BBC and it appears that to qualify for the help scheme, you must be in one of the following categories:

• Aged 75 or over
• A resident of a care home for the last six months or more
• Receiving Disability Living Allowance(DLA) or Attendance Allowance(AA) or Constant Attendance Allowance(CAA) or Mobility Supplement
• Registered blind or partially sighted

The help scheme will cost £40. An approved installer will call on you and install everything you need to switch one of your TV sets to digital. The equipment will be easy to use and you will be entitled to a year’s aftercare. If you already have digital TV on your main television, the installer can adapt another television in your home for you instead.

Some people will be able to receive this service for free. If you fall into one of the above categories but also receive any of the following benefits, then you will not need to pay for the help scheme:

• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

We hope this makes everything clearer but if you need further information, the helpline number is 0800 40 85 900. You must have a valid TV licence to qualify for any help.