The cost of a TV licence can be reduced to £90 for people who are registered blind, and the concession covers their entire household. A 50% discount is available to those who can prove they are "severely sight impaired," and it also applies to anyone else living with them. The reduction does not apply to people who are partially sighted.
Documents Needed for the Discount
To claim the savings, applicants must send copies of certain documents to TV Licensing. These include a Certificate of Visual Impairment, a BD8 Certificate, or a document from a local authority showing the applicant is registered blind. Other acceptable evidence includes a certificate from an eye surgeon clearly stating the applicant is severely sight impaired, or a tax code from HMRC showing the person receives Blind Person's Allowance.
A copy of a National Registration Card signed by an eye surgeon confirming blindness is also accepted, as is a DHSS document confirming blindness for Isle of Man residents. In Northern Ireland, a letter from an optometrist or Health and Social Services can be submitted.
Transferring an Existing Licence
The age of the blind person does not matter. An existing TV licence not in the name of the severely visually impaired person can be transferred into their name. This can be done using a first-time blind application form available on the TV Licensing website.
If a household uses a digital box that is sound-only and does not show TV programmes, a licence is not required. It is also possible to request a licence and any correspondence in large print, audio, or Braille.
Other Licence Discounts
A standard TV licence costs £180. TV Licensing notes that people can spread the cost via Direct Debit, starting at £15 per month. Free TV licences are available for those aged 75 and over who receive Pension Credit, and a reduced fee of £7.50 may apply to those living in care homes.
A TV licence covers the holder for all TV channels, pay TV services such as Sky, and live TV on streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Netflix. Everything on BBC iPlayer is also covered, and the licence applies to any device.
