Help available to make Digital TV switchover

Run by the BBC, the Switchover Help Scheme has been created to help eligible older and disabled people to switch one of their TV sets to digital. People are eligible for support if they are aged 75 or over, have lived in a care home for six months or more, are registered blind or partially sighted or get (or could get) certain disability benefits.

Support from the Help Scheme costs £40 but is free for eligible people who are also on certain income-related benefits. Support includes a choice of easy to use equipment to receive Freeview (UK channels), someone to install it and free aftercare for 12 months. For the same price of £40 or free, people in Northern Ireland can also choose a Freeview HD box which can additionally receive TG4, RTE One and RTE Two, subject to coverage in their area. Other options and equipment are also available, some at an extra cost.

Eligible people should have received an information pack from the Help Scheme but anyone who hasn’t already registered and thinks they may be eligible for support should call the helpline on 0800 40 85 900 or visit www.helpscheme.co.uk. The 08456 505050 number quoted in the article is for Digital UK, who can provide general switchover advice.

Nigel Tilson

Northern Ireland Manager, Switchover Help Scheme