Pensioners across the UK could cut the cost of their TV licence from £180 to nothing if they meet two important conditions. The standard TV licence increased by £5.50 in April, rising from £174.50 to £180 a year. But some older households do not have to pay the charge at all, potentially saving the full £180 every year.
Who qualifies for a free TV licence
The concession is aimed at helping older people on lower incomes, although simply being a pensioner is not enough to qualify. To get a free TV licence, someone must be aged 75 or over and receive Pension Credit. They can also qualify if they are 75 or older and live with a partner who receives Pension Credit. The free licence covers everyone living at the address, meaning other members of the household do not individually need to meet the age and benefit conditions.
However, the concession is not handed out automatically when someone celebrates their 75th birthday. Eligible pensioners need to apply through TV Licensing and should not simply cancel an existing Direct Debit while waiting for their application to be processed.
How to apply and what Pension Credit involves
People can apply when they are 74 if they already receive Pension Credit, although they must continue paying until the end of the month before their 75th birthday. Pension Credit is a benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and are on a lower income. It is separate from the State Pension and can top up a single person's weekly income to £238, or a couple's combined weekly income to £363.25.
These figures are not flat payments given to everyone. The amount someone receives depends on their income and circumstances, while some people can get additional amounts. Having savings does not necessarily rule someone out either. The first £10,000 of savings and investments does not affect Pension Credit. Above this level, every £500, or part of £500, is treated as £1 of weekly income when entitlement is calculated. People may therefore still qualify even if they own their home, have savings or receive other income.
Claiming and backdating Pension Credit
Pension Credit claims can also be backdated by up to three months where someone was eligible during that period. Those who think they could qualify can use the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK before making a claim online, by post or over the phone. The Pension Credit claim line is 0800 99 1234.
People aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit must still make a separate application for their free TV licence. In most cases, TV Licensing can check their Pension Credit entitlement with the Department for Work and Pensions.
A TV licence is required to watch or record live television on any channel or service, whether it is being viewed on a television, computer, tablet or phone. It is also needed to use BBC iPlayer, including for on-demand programmes. However, people who only watch on-demand programmes on services other than BBC iPlayer and never watch or record live television generally do not need a licence.
Free TV licences were once available to everyone aged 75 and over, but the system changed in 2020. The concession is now linked to Pension Credit, meaning age alone is no longer enough to qualify. Pension Credit can also open the door to other financial help, depending on someone's circumstances, including support with housing costs, Council Tax and some NHS costs.
