Households with a blind resident can cut their TV Licence cost by 50%, paying £90 instead of £180 a year. TV Licensing confirms that people who are blind (severely sight impaired) can apply for a concession, which also covers anyone living with them.
Who qualifies for the 50% discount?
The blind concession applies to those certified as blind (severely sight impaired). TV Licensing states: "If you are blind (severely sight impaired) and can provide the appropriate evidence, you are eligible to apply for a 50% concession." The licence also covers anyone who lives with the blind person. However, those who are partially sighted (sight impaired) do not qualify.
The concession costs £90 for a colour licence and £30.25 for a black-and-white licence. The standard TV Licence fee is £180 per year, following a price rise on April 1, 2026.
What evidence is required?
Applicants must provide one of the following documents to confirm they are certified as blind:
- CVI (Certificate of Visual Impairment)
- BD8 Certificate
- A certificate or document from a Local Authority showing registration as blind
- A certificate from an Ophthalmologist stating blindness
- Tax coding notice from HMRC showing Blind person’s allowance
- A National Registration Card signed by an Ophthalmologist
- DHSS documentation (Isle of Man residents only)
- Health and Social Services documentation or letter from an Optometrist (Northern Ireland residents only)
Applying and transferring a licence
If a blind person lives with someone, the licence can be transferred to them. This is done by submitting a first-time blind application and entering the TV Licence number currently linked to the address. Those renewing an existing blind licence can sign in online, while first-time applicants can fill out the official form.
