Certain groups of people in the UK are eligible for a full or partial exemption from the £180 annual TV licence fee, potentially saving hundreds of pounds. The exemption criteria include age, disability, and residential status.
Who Can Get a Free TV Licence?
People aged 75 or older can receive a free TV licence if they receive Pension Credit or live with a partner who does. Applications can be made from age 74, but the free licence only starts from the month before the 75th birthday. The licence is free from that point onward. Applications can be made online or by phone on 0300 790 6071.
Reduced Licence for Care Home Residents
Those living in residential care homes, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation may qualify for a TV licence costing just £7.50 per year. Eligibility requires the resident to be either retired and over 60, or disabled. The housing manager can confirm eligibility and submit the application on behalf of the resident.
50% Discount for Blind People
Individuals registered as blind or severely sight impaired, or those living with someone who is, can obtain a 50% reduction on the licence fee. The licence must be registered in the blind person's name; if it is not, a new application can transfer it. Applicants need their current TV licence number and can apply online.
Other Exemptions and Circumstances
No licence is needed if you only watch non-live content on streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, All 4, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube, or if you only watch DVDs. Students living away from home during term time do not need an additional licence if their main home already has one, provided they use battery-powered devices not plugged into an aerial. Similarly, if you live in a shared home with a joint tenancy agreement or watch TV only in communal areas, a single licence covers the household.
The TV licence has been a legal requirement since 1946, originally costing £2 (equivalent to about £105 today). Despite the rise of streaming and on-demand services, the licence remains mandatory for watching or recording live TV on any channel or online service, and for downloading or viewing BBC content on iPlayer. The current annual fee of £180 came into effect after a price increase in April.
