A major campaign is urging the Government to provide free TV licences for all pensioners amid the cost of living crisis. Currently, only those aged 75 or older who receive Pension Credit qualify for a free licence. Thousands have signed a petition on the UK Parliament website calling for free licences for all pensioners. The Government has responded to the petition, and the full statement is available on ChronicleLive.
A TV licence costs £180 per year. Failure to have one can result in a fine of up to £1,000 or prosecution. However, certain groups are eligible for free or discounted licences. Below are the official concessions set by the Government.
Who Can Get a Free or Discounted TV Licence?
TV Licensing states: "The TV Licence fee and any concessions are set in law by the Government." It lists the following concessions and notes there are no others.
1. People Aged 75 or Over Who Get Pension Credit
Not all pensioners are eligible. You can apply for a free licence if you are the licence holder, aged 75 or older, and you or your partner living at the same address receive Pension Credit. Both conditions must be met.
Pension Credit is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions. It tops up weekly income to £238 for single people or £363.25 for couples. Extra amounts may be available for other responsibilities. More details can be found on the Government website.
2. Blind People
If you are blind (severely sight impaired) and can provide evidence, you are eligible for a 50% discount. The concession covers everyone living with you. Partially sighted people are not eligible. Apply through the TV Licensing website.
3. Care Home or Sheltered Accommodation Residents
Residents in residential care homes, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation may qualify for an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) licence, costing £7.50 per room. To qualify, you must be retired (aged 60 or over and working no more than 15 hours per week) or disabled (with substantially impaired sight, hearing, or speech, a mental disorder, or substantial physical disability). Speak to your care home manager to arrange this.
4. Students
No student discount is available, but you can claim a refund for unused months if you live in student accommodation for less than 12 months. You need a TV licence if you watch TV in student halls, a house share with separate tenancy, or a property with joint tenancy. If you watch away from your parents' address on a battery-powered device not plugged into the mains, their licence covers you. Otherwise, you need your own.
5. Hotels, Hostels, Mobile Units, Holiday Lets, and Campsites
Businesses providing overnight accommodation must pay licence fees based on the number of units. Up to 15 units: one fee of £180. More than 15 units: one fee for the first 15, plus £180 for every additional 5 units (or fewer). Areas with TV receivers must also be covered.
