The Help Scheme explained
The Switchover Help Scheme has been set up to help people to switch one of their TV sets to digital.
If you are eligible for their help, they will explain digital TV to you clearly and simply. They can install what
you need in your home. And They will make
sure you're happy with how it all works.
Visit the Switchover Help Scheme website for full details.
The Help Scheme standard offer includes:
- easy-to-use digital equipment;
- home delivery and installation if you wish;
- an aerial check and replacement if needed, where they can;
- a helpline and retuning advice;
- a 12 – month digital TV aftercare service.
Over seven million people in the UK will be eligible to receive help.
If you are eligible for the Help Scheme, they will be in touch in plenty of time to ask if you want their help.
They can help you convert your TV to digital if you:
- are aged 75 or over; or
- get or could get Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Constant Attendance Allowance or mobility supplement; or
- have lived in a care home for six months or more; or
- are registered blind or partially sighted.
Will I have to pay?
The Help Scheme will ask you to pay £40 towards:
- easy–to–use digital equipment;
- home delivery and installation if you wish;
- an aerial check and replacement if needed, where they can;
- a helpline and retuning advice;
- a 12month digital TV aftercare service.
If you are eligible and you also get pension credit, Employment and Support Allowance,
income support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, the help will be free.
When can I get help?
The Help Scheme will offer you help in the run–up to switchover in your ITV region.
Between now and 2012, television services in the UK will go completely digital, ITV region by ITV region.
The old analogue television signal will be switched off and you will need to convert or upgrade your TV to receive
digital signals, through your aerial, by satellite, cable or broadband.
Switchover is a complicated process and will be done in stages. The best way to check which TV region you are in is by seeing which ITV news service you receive.
Dont worry; you'll get plenty of notice before services in your area are affected, and if you are eligible for the Switchover Help
Scheme they will be in touch personally with advice on what to do.