Millions of Britons could be missing out on TV Licence refunds of up to £155 if their living situation changes, according to consumer and lifestyle expert Grace Forell, who appears on ITV's This Morning.
People need a valid TV Licence if they watch TV and stream live broadcasts on platforms such as YouTube or Amazon Prime. Many wrongly assume the licence is not required if they do not watch BBC programmes.
Who Can Claim a Refund?
Refunds are available to anyone whose circumstances change after buying a licence. For example, a student who buys a licence for university halls but moves back home nine months later can cancel it and get money back, provided the family home has a suitable licence.
People who move in with a partner, friend, or family member who already holds a valid licence can also request a refund before they move.
How Much Can You Get Back?
The maximum refund is eleven-twelfths (11/12ths) of the total licence fee, which currently equals £155.37. Because refunds are calculated on complete, unused calendar months remaining on the licence, a 100% refund is never possible once the licence has started.
Grace said: "If you buy a licence and then your living circumstances change, you can apply for a refund for the unused months. Say you move into university halls and buy a licence, but then move back home nine months later, as long as your family home has a suitable licence, you can cancel yours and get money back."
How to Apply
Refunds are only possible if people have "at least one complete month remaining" on their licence, Grace confirmed. Applications can be made online via the TV Licensing Refund Form or by calling TV Licensing on 0300 790 6071.
People can apply up to 14 days before the date they no longer need the licence. If approved, the TV Licence is cancelled automatically. For most standard claims, TV Licensing says customers can seek a refund on a licence that expired up to two years ago, with the refund still calculated in "unused complete months". Backdated claimants must provide evidence showing the exact date the licence was no longer required, such as a tenancy agreement showing when they moved out.
