How to get a free TV Licence - and why some people pay just £7.50 per year
The standard TV Licence fee increased to £174.50 on April 1, but some people can get a free or discounted licence
The cost of a standard TV Licence has seen an increase for many this year, with the Government raising the price to £174.50 in April. This annual fee is required for households or businesses that watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer.
If you want to use these services but can't afford the costs, then you will be happy to know that some people may 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.
According to Government advice, it's primarily individuals over 75 years old who receive Pension Credit who can obtain a free TV Licence - but this isn't the only group. The same applies if you reside with a partner who receives Pension Credit, as the licence covers everyone at a particular address.
Pension Credit is not the same as the State Pension. It refers to 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.
People 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, reports Lancs Live.
As well as this, the Government states that anyone who is blind or in residential care can apply for a discounted TV Licence. To qualify 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 dramatically to just £7.50. Care home managers are also able to submit applications on behalf of residents.
Alternatively, anyone registered blind or living with someone who is can obtain a 50% reduction on their TV Licence. By doing this, it cuts the cost of a colour licence to £87.25.
Official 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."
Those over 75 who receive Pension Credit can request a free licence online or via telephone. The Government's official contact numbers 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.
Why has the TV licence fee increased?
The Secretary of State revealed a 2.9% price hike last year, which took effect on April 1, 2025 which matches annual CPI inflation. The official TV Licensing site confirms this represents a rise of just over 1p per day and marks only the second licence fee increase since April 1, 2021.
The adjustment has pushed the annual colour licence fee to £174.50 and the black and white licence fee to £58.50. For the next four years, until 2027, future rises in the licence fee will be linked to CPI inflation.