You may not need to pay for a TV licence – making you savings of £180 a year
Certain groups of people may qualify for an exemption from the £180 TV licence fee. Based on your circumstances, you might be entitled to either a complete or partial reduction on the charge.
The TV licence has been an annual requirement for millions of UK households since it was introduced in 1946. Back then, the BBC was Britain’s only broadcaster and the licence cost viewers £2 – approximately equivalent to around £105 in today’s money.
Despite the change in how we watch television, with the emergence of numerous channels, streaming platforms and catch-up services, this yearly charge remains mandatory. A standard UK TV licence currently costs £180 per year, following a price increase in April.
Even if you never watch BBC channels, the majority of households will still require a licence, as it is needed to watch or record programmes as they broadcast live on any television channel. It is also necessary for watching programmes live on any internet TV service – such as Channel 4, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video.
It is further required to download or watch any BBC content on BBC iPlayer. However, certain people are either exempt from the charge altogether or can apply for a reduction.
People aged 75 or above
The Government website explains that you can get a free TV licence if you’re 75 or older and you either:
- Receive Pension Credit
- Live with your partner who receives Pension Credit
You can apply when you’re 74 if you already receive Pension Credit. You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday.
Following that, your free licence will take effect. You can request a free licence online here. Alternatively, you can submit your application by telephone on 0300 790 6071.
People who live in a care home or sheltered accommodation
If you’re residing in a residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation, you may qualify for a TV licence reduction. A TV licence can be secured for £7.50 if you satisfy these residential criteria.
To be eligible, you must also be either:
- Retired and over 60
- Disabled
Your housing manager can confirm your eligibility and submit the application on your behalf.
Blind people
If you’re registered as blind or severely sight impaired, or share your home with someone who is, you can obtain a 50 per cent reduction. The licence must be registered in the blind person’s name – if it isn’t, a fresh application can be submitted to transfer it into their name.
When submitting your request, you’ll need to supply your current TV licence number. Applications can be completed online here.
Other circumstances where you don’t need to pay
You also do not need to pay for a TV licence if you only watch:
- Streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus (for shows that aren’t live)
- On-demand TV through services like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video (for shows that aren’t live)
- Videos on websites like YouTube (for shows that aren’t live)
- Videos or DVDs
Moreover, if you’re a student residing at another address outside of term time that already has a licence, you don’t need an additional one. You can utilise that TV licence while at university on any device that’s:
- Powered by battery
- Not plugged in
- Not connected to an aerial
And if you live in a shared home that already has a licence, there’s no need for you to purchase your own TV licence. A single TV licence can cover the entire household if you either:
- Watch TV in a communal area
- Have a joint tenancy agreement
