You may not realise that you could be exempt from the annual charge
Certain groups of people are exempt from paying for a TV licence (Image: Getty)
Certain Brits may qualify for an exemption from the £180 TV licence fee. Depending on your personal situation, you might be eligible for either a full or partial discount on the cost.
The TV licence has been an annual obligation for millions of British households since its introduction in 1946. At that time, the BBC was the nation’s sole broadcaster and the licence set viewers back £2 – roughly equivalent to approximately £105 in present-day values.
Despite the change in how we consume television, with the arrival of countless channels, streaming services and on-demand platforms, this yearly levy remains compulsory. A standard UK TV licence presently costs £180 annually, following a tariff rise in April.
Even if you never tune into BBC channels, the vast majority of households will still need a licence, as it is required to view or record programmes as they are transmitted live on any television channel.
It is also essential for watching programmes live on any online TV service – such as Channel 4, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video.
A standard UK TV licence currently costs £180 per year (Image: Getty)
It is additionally needed to download or view any BBC content on BBC iPlayer. However, certain individuals are either exempt from the charge entirely or can apply for a reduction.
People aged 75 or above
The Government website explains that you can get a free TV licence if you’re 75 or older and you either:
- Receive Pension Credit
- Live with your partner who receives Pension Credit
You can apply when you’re 74 if you already receive Pension Credit. You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday.
Following that, your free licence will take effect. You can request a free licence online here. Alternatively, you can submit your application by telephone on 0300 790 6071.
People who live in a care home or sheltered accommodation
If you’re residing in a residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation, you may qualify for a TV licence reduction. A TV licence can be secured for £7.50 if you satisfy these residential criteria.
To be eligible, you must also be either:
- Retired and over 60
- Disabled
Your housing manager can confirm your eligibility and submit the application on your behalf.
Blind people
If you’re registered as blind or severely sight impaired, or share your home with someone who is, you can obtain a 50 per cent reduction. The licence must be registered in the blind person’s name – if it isn’t, a fresh application can be submitted to transfer it into their name.
When submitting your request, you’ll need to supply your current TV licence number. Applications can be completed online here.
Other circumstances where you don’t need to pay
You also do not need to pay for a TV licence if you only watch:
- Streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus (for shows that aren’t live)
- On-demand TV through services like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video (for shows that aren’t live)
- Videos on websites like YouTube (for shows that aren’t live)
- Videos or DVDs
Moreover, if you’re a student residing at another address outside of term time that already has a licence, you don’t need an additional one. You can utilise that TV licence while at university on any device that’s:
- Powered by battery
- Not plugged in
- Not connected to an aerial
And if you live in a shared home that already has a licence, there’s no need for you to purchase your own TV licence. A single TV licence can cover the entire household if you either:
- Watch TV in a communal area
- Have a joint tenancy agreement
