The cost of standard TV Licences has increased for many this year, with the Government raising the price to £174.50 in April. This annual fee is generally mandatory for households or businesses that watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer.
However, it may 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 typically incur a yearly cost of £58.50 under the licence scheme.
Government guidance indicates that it’s primarily people over 75 years old who receive Pension Credit who can obtain a free TV Licence. The same applies if you reside with a partner who receives Pension Credit , as the licence covers everyone at a particular address.
It’s important to clarify that Pension Credit is distinct 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.
In addition, 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 qualify, the TV Licence cost drops to a mere £7.50. Housing managers at residential care facilities can also submit applications on residents’ behalf.
Additionally, anyone who is registered blind or shares a home with someone who is can secure a 50% discount on their TV Licence. This brings the price of a colour licence down 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 announced a 2.9% price hike, taking effect from April 1 2025, aligned with annual CPI inflation.
The official TV Licensing site confirms this represented an increase of slightly more than 1p daily and marks only the second licence fee rise since 1 April 2021.
The adjustment pushed the annual colour licence fee to £174.50 and the black and white licence fee to £58.50 per year. Future licence increases will now also be aligned with CPI inflation for the next four years, concluding in 2027.