State pensioners aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit can get a free TV licence. The licence, which allows people to watch or record live television, normally costs £180 a year. Those aged 75 and over who live with someone receiving Pension Credit are also eligible.
Who qualifies for the free licence
The GOV.UK website states: "If you're 75 or over and you get Pension Credit, you can get a free TV licence. If you're blind or in residential care, you can get a discounted TV licence." It adds: "The licence covers everyone living at your address. You can apply when you're 74 if you already get Pension Credit. You'll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. After that you'll be covered by your free licence."
Licence fee changes in 2026
The standard colour TV licence costs £180 per year. The fee increased by £5.50 in April and is set to rise based on inflation once again the same time next year. Meanwhile, the price of a black and white licence currently stands at £60.50 per year, while blind people can also get a 50% discount off the licence. You can pay the fee in a single sum or choose to spread the cost through regular payment plans.
TV Licensing confirmed: "The TV Licence fee changed on 1 April 2026. A colour licence costs £180. A black and white licence costs £60.50. If you are blind (severely sight impaired), you are still able to apply for a 50% concession. This means a colour licence costs £90. There are other concessions and arrangements available, including for people living in certain types of residential care and for over 75s receiving Pension Credit. Find out about different TV Licence types and costs."
Government sets the fee
They added: "The Government is responsible for setting the level of the licence fee. In February 2026 the Secretary of State announced that the Government would raise the licence fee by 3.15%, in line with annual CPI inflation, taking effect from 1 April 2026. This brings the cost of a colour licence fee to £180 per year and a black and white licence fee to £60.50 per year. The Government decided that the licence fee would rise annually in line with annual CPI inflation from 1 April 2024 for the remaining four years of the Charter period. The BBC's current Charter runs until end 2027."
