Over-75s claiming one key benefit may qualify for free TV Licence - here’s how
The cost of a standard TV Licence rose this year, with the Government increasing the price to £174.50 in April
The cost of the standard TV Licence has seen a hike for many this year, with the Government jacking up the price to £174.50 in April. This annual fee is typically mandatory for households or businesses that watch live television or use BBC iPlayer.
However, it might surprise you that certain people could be eligible for a free or discounted licence under specific conditions. These reductions could also apply to those with black-and-white TV sets, which usually incur a yearly cost of £58.50 under the licence scheme.
Government guidance suggests that it's primarily people over 75 years old who receive Pension Credit who can bag a free TV Licence. The same applies if you live with a partner who receives Pension Credit, as the licence covers everyone at a particular address.
It's crucial to make clear that Pension Credit is different from the State Pension. It refers to a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age on a low income, topping up weekly income to £227.10 if you're single or £346.60 with a partner.
Those claiming Pension Credit can apply for a free TV Licence when they turn 74, but will still need to pay until the end of the month before their 75th birthday. After this point, they will be covered by the free licence, according to the Express.
Additionally, the Government states that anyone who is blind or in residential care can apply for a discounted TV Licence. To be eligible for the residential care home discount, a person must be either retired and over 60 or disabled.
For those who are eligible, the TV Licence cost plummets to just £7.50. Housing managers at residential care homes can also make applications on behalf of their residents.
Furthermore, anyone who is registered blind or lives with someone who is can obtain a 50% reduction on their TV Licence. This slashes the price of a colour licence to £87.25.
Government guidance explains: "The licence must be in the blind person’s name - if it’s not, you can make a new application to transfer it into their name. You’ll need to provide your existing TV Licence number when you apply."
People over 75 and receiving Pension Credit can apply for a free licence online or by phone. The Government's official numbers for this are 0300 790 6071 (telephone) and 0300 709 6050 (minicom). Others who are registered blind can apply for a licence on the TV Licensing website.
For more information, head to GOV.UK or the official TV Licensing website.
Why did the licence fee change?
Last year, the Secretary of State revealed a 2.9% price increase, coming into force from April 1 2025, in line with annual CPI inflation.
The official TV Licensing site confirms this represents a rise of just over 1p daily and marks only the second licence fee increase since 1 April 2021. The change has caused the annual colour licence fee to increase to £174.50, while the black and white licence fee is now £58.50 per year.
Future licence fee increases will be tied to CPI inflation for the next four years, ending in 2027.
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