Pensioners born before a specific date can obtain a TV licence for less than £10 a year, provided they meet one condition. A standard colour TV licence, which permits recording programmes on a TV, computer, or other device as they are broadcast, as well as on-demand BBC programmes on iPlayer, currently costs £180 per year. However, it is possible to pay less or avoid the fee entirely if certain criteria are met.
Who qualifies for the £7.50 concession?
People who are retired and aged 60 or over (born on or before October 18, 1966, as of Sunday, October 18, 2026) and live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation can receive an ARC concessionary TV licence for just £7.50 per year. The TV Licensing website explains that if retirees are in paid work, it "must be for no more than 15 hours per week" to qualify.
You can also get one if you are living in a residential care home or sheltered accommodation and are disabled, regardless of age. The TV Licensing website FAQ outlines that those applying "must have substantially impaired sight, hearing or speech, a mental disorder or be substantially physically disabled by illness, any impairment present from birth or otherwise."
Preserved rights and other reductions
You can continue to get the £7.50 discount after reaching state pension age (currently 66 but gradually rising to 67 over the next two years). The website notes in guidance to housing managers that there "may be occasions where certain residents still qualify for a concession, but the scheme has lost its concession," under a clause called preserved rights to stop a small number of people who were previously entitled to it from missing out after the rules changed.
For instance, if you are claiming Pension Credit and are at least 75 years old, you can get the licence completely free. That means that as of October 18, 2026, anyone born on or before October 18, 1951, and who is on Pension Credit can get one at no cost. You can also get one if you are 75 and over and live with a partner who gets Pension Credit, with the licence covering everyone living at your address.
Additional discounts and how to apply
Separately, there is a 50% discount if you are registered blind or live with someone who is. The GOV.UK website explains that the licence must be in the blind person's name, though you can make a new application to transfer it into their name if not. Those applying will need to provide their existing TV licence number.
You can find out more about how to apply on the GOV.UK website. If you have a housing manager, they can check if you can get it and apply for you.
