Many UK households may be unaware that they can legally cancel their TV Licence payments under certain circumstances. The licence fee, currently £159 per year, is required to watch or record live television or use BBC iPlayer. However, there are six key situations where you can stop paying.
Firstly, if you never watch or record live TV on any channel and do not use BBC iPlayer, you do not need a licence. This applies even if you have a television set, as long as it is not used for live broadcasts.
Secondly, if you only watch on-demand programmes on services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or All 4, and never access BBC iPlayer, you can cancel your licence. Similarly, if you only watch catch-up TV on other channels, no licence is required.
Thirdly, if you are over 75 and receive Pension Credit, you may be eligible for a free TV Licence. However, the free licence for all over-75s was scrapped in 2020, so only those on Pension Credit qualify.
Fourthly, if you live in certain residential care homes or sheltered accommodation, you may be able to get a reduced fee or a free licence under the Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) scheme.
Fifthly, if you are a full-time student living in university halls of residence, you may not need a licence if your accommodation is covered by a block licence. Check with your university.
Finally, if you are blind or severely sight-impaired, you can get a 50% discount on your TV Licence. This concession applies to anyone registered as blind or severely sight-impaired.
