Many households across the UK may be paying the full TV licence fee without knowing they qualify for a major discount – or even a completely free licence. With the annual cost of a standard TV licence now at £174.50, those who meet certain criteria could have their bill slashed by half, or wiped out entirely, yet many people remain unaware of the support available. A full exemption is available to anyone aged 75 or over who receives Pension Credit, and the free licence covers every person who is living at the same address.
People can begin the application process once they turn 74, provided they already receive Pension Credit, though the free licence will only take effect from the month of their 75th birthday. Applications can be made online or by calling TV Licensing.
A further group who could be missing out on a discount are those living in residential care, supported housing or sheltered accommodation.
Residents who are retired and over 60, or who are disabled, can get a heavily discounted TV licence fee costing just £7.50 a year under the Accommodation for Residential Care scheme.
Eligibility is checked through the housing provider, who also submits the application on the resident’s behalf.
People aged 75 or over in these types of accommodation may also be fully covered, regardless of whether they receive Pension Credit. Residents should contact the warden or administrator of the residence, not TV Licensing directly.
Those who are registered as blind or who live with someone who is can also get a 50% discount.
To receive the concession, the licence must be held in the name of the person who is blind, and applicants will need to provide proof such as a Certificate of Visual Impairment or equivalent documentation from their local authority or ophthalmologist.
Those who already hold a TV licence may transfer it into the blind person’s name in order to apply for the discount.
The discount can be applied for on the TV Licensing website.
