In recent years, the Italian government has launched several initiatives to help citizens upgrade their televisions and decoders to meet modern broadcasting standards. With the transition to the new DVB-T2 transmission standard, many old televisions and decoders will no longer work. If you’re looking to buy a new television or decoder, you can take advantage of the TV Bonus. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining the TV Bonus.
What Is the TV Bonus?
The TV Bonus is a government initiative aimed at helping Italian citizens replace outdated televisions and decoders that are incompatible with new broadcasting standards. The bonus allows you to get a discount on your purchase, depending on your financial situation and whether you’re recycling an old television. The program includes two types of bonuses: the Bonus TV-Decoder and the Bonus Rottamazione TV.
Why Was the TV Bonus Introduced?
With the shift to DVB-T2 (Digital Video Broadcasting – Second Generation Terrestrial), many older televisions are unable to receive digital signals. The government wants to ensure that all citizens can still access free-to-air television services, thus introducing the bonus to facilitate this transition.
Types of TV Bonuses Available
Bonus TV-Decoder
The Bonus TV-Decoder is available to families with an ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) of less than €20,000. This bonus offers a €50 discount on the purchase of a decoder or television that meets the new broadcasting standards.
Bonus Rottamazione TV
The Bonus Rottamazione TV is for anyone, regardless of income, who wishes to replace an old television purchased before December 22, 2018. The bonus offers a 20% discount, up to €100, on the price of a new television.
Eligibility Criteria for the TV Bonus
To qualify for either of the TV bonuses, there are specific eligibility requirements:
- Bonus TV-Decoder: You must have an ISEE of less than €20,000, and the bonus can only be used once per household.
- Bonus Rottamazione TV: This bonus is available to all Italian residents who are in good standing with their RAI license fee payments. You must also recycle a television purchased before December 22, 2018.
How to Check if Your TV Is Compatible with DVB-T2
Before applying for the TV bonus, you should check whether your current television is compatible with the new DVB-T2 standard. To do this, simply tune in to channels 100 (RAI) or 200 (Mediaset). If the screen displays “Test HEVC Main10,” your TV is compatible. If not, you’ll need to replace your device.
How to Apply for the Bonus TV-Decoder
Here are the steps to apply for the Bonus TV-Decoder:
Step 1: Obtain Your ISEE Certificate
To be eligible for the Bonus TV-Decoder, your household must have an ISEE of less than €20,000. If you don’t already have your ISEE, you can apply for it through the INPS website.
Step 2: Download the Application Form
Once you have your ISEE, you can download the self-certification form from the Ministry of Economic Development (MiSE) website. This form confirms your eligibility for the bonus.
Step 3: Present the Documents to a Retailer
Take the completed form, along with a valid ID, to a participating retailer. They will apply the €50 discount to your purchase of a decoder or TV.
How to Apply for the Bonus Rottamazione TV
The Bonus Rottamazione TV offers a 20% discount, up to €100, for the purchase of a new television. Here’s how to apply:
Step 1: Recycle Your Old TV
You need to recycle a television that was purchased before December 22, 2018. There are two ways to do this:
- Recycle at a Retailer: When you buy your new television, you can give your old TV to the retailer, and they will handle the recycling process.
- Recycle at an Authorized Waste Facility: You can also take your old TV to an authorized waste disposal center. They will provide you with a receipt that you can use to apply for the bonus.
Step 2: Download the Application Form
Go to the MiSE website and download the self-certification form for the Bonus Rottamazione TV. Fill it out completely.
Step 3: Present the Documents to a Retailer
Take the form, along with your recycling receipt, ID, and RAI license fee payment confirmation, to a participating retailer. They will apply the discount to your purchase of a new television.
Important Notes About the Bonus Rottamazione TV
- The bonus can be used only once per household.
- You can apply the bonus to a television that costs more than €500, but the maximum discount will still be €100.
- The bonus is valid until November 12, 2022, or until the allocated funds run out.
Combining the Two Bonuses
If your household has an ISEE under €20,000, you can combine the Bonus TV-Decoder and Bonus Rottamazione TV. This means you can get a total discount of €50 + 20% off the purchase price (up to €100) on a new TV.
Example:
- If you purchase a new TV for €400, you can receive a €50 discount through the Bonus TV-Decoder and an additional €80 discount (20% of €400) through the Bonus Rottamazione TV.
Can You Use the TV Bonus Online?
The Bonus TV-Decoder can be applied to online purchases, but you must ensure that the online store participates in the initiative. Currently, the Bonus Rottamazione TV is not available for use on online platforms like Amazon. Be sure to check with each retailer before purchasing to confirm whether they accept the bonus.
Bonus Decoder TV at Home for Seniors
In addition to the standard TV bonuses, there is a specific program for seniors over 70. If you are aged 70 or older, with an annual pension of less than €20,000, and are up to date with your RAI license fee, you can receive a free decoder delivered to your home. This service is provided to ensure that seniors can continue watching television after the switch to DVB-T2.
How to Apply for the Senior Decoder Program
You can apply for the Bonus Decoder TV at Home by calling 800.776.883 or by visiting your local post office. The government will deliver a DVB-T2/HEVC decoder directly to your residence, free of charge.
FAQs About the TV Bonus
1. Can I apply for both the Bonus TV-Decoder and Bonus Rottamazione TV?
Yes, if your household has an ISEE of less than €20,000, you can combine both bonuses.
2. Do I need to be in good standing with my RAI license fee to qualify for the bonus?
Yes, for the Bonus Rottamazione TV, you must be up to date with your RAI license fee payments.
3. Can I use the bonus to buy a TV online?
The Bonus TV-Decoder can be used online at participating retailers, but the Bonus Rottamazione TV is not available for online purchases.
4. What happens if I don’t recycle my old TV?
You will not be eligible for the Bonus Rottamazione TV unless you recycle a television purchased before December 22, 2018.
5. Can I apply the TV bonus multiple times?
No, each bonus can only be used once per household.
6. When is the deadline to apply for the bonus?
The bonus program is valid until November 12, 2022, or until the allocated funds run out.
7. How do I know if my TV is compatible with DVB-T2?
Tune in to channels 100 or 200. If you see the message “Test HEVC Main10,” your TV is compatible.
8. Can seniors receive a free decoder?
Yes, seniors over 70 with an annual pension of less than €20,000 can receive a free decoder through the Bonus Decoder TV at Home program.
