The TV licence fee increased in April – but there are certain circumstances where you could be entitled to a refund on your payment. Here’s all you need to know
Thousands of Brits could be in line for a TV licence refund if they meet certain criteria, including being over a certain age, living in care homes, or moving to an address that already has a TV licence.
In the UK, you need a licence to watch or record live telly, or to view anything – whether it’s live or catch-up – on BBC iPlayer. This rule also applies to laptops, computers, tablets and mobile phones. Back in April, the Beeb’s TV licence fee rose by £5 to £174.50, keeping pace with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate.
However, you don’t need a TV licence if you’re only catching up on shows using streaming services other than BBC iPlayer. These include Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All4 and My5.
BBC bosses ‘forced’ to pull Ozzy Osbourne documentary due to ‘family complaints’ People urged to check their bills after Inbetweeener James Buckley’s rant
But bear in mind, you’ll need a TV licence if you decide to watch any live shows through these platforms.
In June, one dad triumphed in a court battle with TV Licensing after he cancelled his licence to watch streaming services. Lee Stuart found himself in court for not paying his TV licence – despite having previously explained to a TV Licensing inspector that he didn’t require one.
If you find you no longer need your licence before it expires, you could be entitled to a refund as long as you have at least one month left on it.
You can also apply for a refund if you qualify for an over 75 or blind concession, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Full list of circumstances where you could get your money back
- You no longer need your licence and you have one month left before it expires.
- You no longer watch live on all TV channels, watch live TV on streaming services, or use BBC iPlayer.
- You’re moving to an address that already has a TV Licence.
- You have two licences for the same address.
- The licence holder has died.
- You’re living with someone aged 75 or over who is eligible for a free TV Licence.
- You’re moving into a care home.
- You’re moving abroad.
Certain groups of individuals are eligible for a free or discounted TV licence.
See if you fit into one of these categories:
- Over-75 and claiming Pension Credit
- Students living away from home
- People who are blind or severely sight-impaired
- Living in residential care or sheltered accommodation
If you’re caught watching telly programmes that necessitate a TV licence, you could be hit with a fine of up to £1,000. If you don’t require a TV licence, it’s essential to declare this on the TV Licensing website. The TV licence can be paid monthly, quarterly or annually.
