Thousands of individuals across the UK could be eligible for a free or discounted TV licence.
Every household in the UK that watches or records live TV, regardless of the device used – be it a television, phone or tablet – is required to have a TV licence. This licence covers channels such as ITV and Channel 4, as well as subscription services like Sky, Virgin and EE TV.
If you watch live TV on streaming platforms like YouTube or Amazon Prime, you’ll also need a TV licence. However, if you only ever watch catch-up TV on these channels, a TV licence isn’t necessary.
But do bear in mind that if you watch or download programmes on BBC iPlayer – whether live, catch-up, or on demand – you must have a valid licence. At present, a TV licence costs £169.50 per year.
However, this will increase by £5 to £174.50 from April 1, 2025. The cost of a black and white TV licence will rise by £1.50 from £57 to £58.50 annually in April, reports BirminghamLive.
Some individuals qualify for a free TV licence, while others may be able to claim a discount. TV Licensing states that you might be entitled to a refund if you’ve been paying for a TV licence but believe you qualify for a free one.
If you think you should be receiving a free TV licence, you can apply online or by calling 0300 790 6071.
Aged 75 and older
If you are aged 75 and over and you claim Pension Credit, you could get a free one. You can claim for your free TV licence when you are 74.
Gov.uk says: “You can apply when you’re 74 if you already get Pension Credit. You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. After that you’ll be covered by your free licence.”
Living in certain accommodation
You might be able to get a TV licence at the discounted price of £7.50 if you live in a care home or sheltered accommodation. TV Licensing said: “Many care homes have a special type of licence that will cover you.
“As a resident of a residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation you may be able to benefit from a concessionary TV Licence. This is known as an Accommodation for residential care (ARC) licence.
“It costs £7.50 per room, flat or bungalow. Please speak to your care home managers to find out if your accommodation qualifies. They are responsible for arranging this type of licence.”
To qualify for an ARC licence, you must be aged 60 or older. You must be either retired or working for less than 15 hours a week, or disabled.
Blind or severely sight impaired
If you are blind or severely sight impaired, you can apply to pay for just half of the licence fee – which is £84.75 for a colour TV and £28.50 for black and white. You will be asked to provide evidence before you are given the discount.
Your licence will also cover anyone who lives with you. The Government said it would confirm in January if the price of a TV licence for blind or severely sight impaired people will rise.
Black and white TVs
You can get a discount on your licence fee if you only watch black and white TV.
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