State pensioners can qualify for a free TV licence when two conditions apply. Under the existing set-up, you can apply if you are the licence holder and aged 75 years or more. You, or your partner who must live with you at the same address, must also be in receipt of Pension Credit. Separate arrangements apply on the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.
How to Apply and When
Under the current rules, you can apply for a free TV licence when you are 74. It is down to you to apply though as free licences are not issued automatically. TV Licensing, the body which oversees the fee, will update your payments until your 75th birthday. The free licence will then cover you, with the perk confirmed in writing by TV Licensing.
What a TV Licence Covers
A TV licence is required to watch or record live programmes on any TV channels, including the BBC's. You need a licence to watch BBC programmes using BBC iPlayer – whether that is watching live or a downloaded programme on a TV, computer, tablet or smartphone.
Other Discounts Available
Currently, a TV licence costs £180 per year, but there are other discounts available besides the one outlined above. If you are blind or have a severe visual impairment you can claim a 50% discount. For those who live with someone else, the licence must be in your name in order to receive the discount. A person who lives in a care home or sheltered housing may be eligible for an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) licence. This costs £7.50 and is only required if you watch TV in your own space rather than a communal place such as a residents' lounge.
How to Apply and Stay Safe from Scams
To apply for a free or discounted TV licence, call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6117 for an application form or apply online via the TV Licensing website. Be aware that scammers have been contacting people with false information about changes to the free TV licence. Genuine emails sent from TV Licensing will only include the name and/or part of your postcode. Many scams use your email address or start "Dear Customer". TV Licensing sends emails from two addresses: either donotreply@tvlicensing.co.uk or donotreply@spp.tvlicensing.co.uk. If you are a TV Licensing payment card customer and make mobile payments via the TVL Pay app, you may receive emails from noreply@paypoint.com. The name of the sender will read "TVL Pay". And if you have clicked a link, check the web address says tvlicensing.co.uk or spp.tvlicensing.co.uk to make sure you're on the right site.
