Discounts are available to certain people who want a TV Licence – everything you need to know
The cost of a TV Licence rose for many in 2025, with the Government increasing the price to £174.50 last April. This yearly fee is usually required for any households or businesses that watch live TV or access BBC iPlayer.
However, it may surprise you to learn that certain people may be eligible for a discounted licence at just £7.50. This is available exclusively to people in residential care or sheltered accommodation who must meet either one of two major criteria.
According to the UK Government, this includes the following:
- Being retired and over 60
- Having a disability
“You can get a TV Licence for £7.50 if you live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation,” official GOV.UK advice explains. “Your housing manager can check if you can get it and will apply for you.”
Beyond this, it’s also worth noting that discounts and alternative options are available to people who are registered blind and others who are receiving Pension Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
It’s essential to clarify that Pension Credit is distinct from the State Pension. Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age on a low income, boosting 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.
Meanwhile, anyone registered as blind, or living with someone who is, can secure a 50% discount on their TV Licence, bringing the cost of a colour licence down to £87.25.
Government guidance continues: “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.”
For more information, head to GOV.UK or the official TV Licensing website.
Why did the licence fee change?
In 2024, the Secretary of State announced a 2.9% increase in the licence fee, starting from April 1, 2025, in line with the annual CPI inflation. The official TV Licensing website confirms this resulted in a daily rise of just over 1p and notes it is only the second fee increase since April 1, 2021.
This change has led to the yearly colour licence fee increasing to £174.50, with the black-and-white licence now costing £58.50 per year.
Future licence fee increases will be tied to CPI inflation over the next four years, ending in 2027.
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