Help at hand for switch to Digital tv

The Switchover Help Scheme is writing directly to people that are eligible for help and most eligible people in the area will receive their first letter and information pack through the post any day now.

The pack, which is also available in a range of alternative formats, explains all the options available to eligible people and contains important information on how they can get help to convert one TV to digital in time for switchover which begins on 10 October.

Most people will be asked to pay £40 towards the help which includes:

Easy to use equipment to convert one set

An approved installer to supply and install the necessary equipment, and

A 12 month aftercare service including a free helpline

The service is free for people who are eligible and who also receive pension credit income support, income-based jobseeker’s allowance or income-related employment and support allowance.

For the same price of £40 or free, people in Northern Ireland can also choose a Freeview HD box which can receive TG4, RTE One and RTE Two, where coverage is available. That option also includes installation and aftercare. Other options and equipment are also available, some at an extra cost, and these are outlined in the information pack.

People are eligible for the Help Scheme if they are:

Aged 75 or over, or

Have lived in a care home for six months or more, or

Get (or could get):

Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or

Attendance or Constant Attendance Allowance, or

Mobility supplement, or

Are registered blind or partially sighted

On 10 October, Northern Ireland will begin to switch to digital. Everyone will need to convert their TV to digital by that time if they are to continue watching their favourite programmes.

in two stages.