Last year, the Secretary of State announced a 2.9% TV Licence price increase, effective as of April 1 2025
The standard TV Licence fee has seen a rise for many this year, with the Government increasing the price to £174.50 in April. This annual charge is typically required for households or businesses that watch live television or use BBC iPlayer.
However, it may come as a surprise that certain people could be eligible for a free or discounted licence under specific circumstances. These reductions could also apply to those with black-and-white TV sets, which usually incur a yearly cost of £58.50 under the licence scheme.
Government guidance indicates that it’s primarily people over 75 years old who receive Pension Credit who can secure a free TV Licence. The same applies if you live with a partner who receives Pension Credit, as the licence covers everyone at a particular address.
It’s essential to clarify that Pension Credit differs from the State Pension. It refers to a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age on a low income, topping up weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single or £346.60 with a partner.
Those claiming Pension Credit can apply for a free TV Licence when they turn 74, but will still need to pay until the end of the month before their 75th birthday. After this point, they will be covered by the free licence, according to the Mirror.
Moreover, the Government has stated that anyone who is blind or residing in a care home can apply for a discounted TV Licence. To qualify for the residential care home discount, an individual must be either retired and over 60 or disabled.
For those who meet the criteria, the cost of the TV Licence drops to a mere £7.50. Housing managers at residential care homes can also submit applications on behalf of their residents.
In addition, anyone who is registered as blind or shares a home with someone who is can receive a 50% reduction on their TV Licence. This cuts the cost of a colour licence down to £87.25.
Government guidance explains: “The licence must be in the blind person’s name – if it’s not, you can make a new application to transfer it into their name. You’ll need to provide your existing TV Licence number when you apply.”
People over 75 and receiving Pension Credit can apply for a free licence online or by phone. The Government’s official numbers for this are 0300 790 6071 (telephone) and 0300 709 6050 (minicom). Others who are registered blind can apply for a licence on the TV Licensing website.
For more information, head to GOV.UK or the official TV Licensing website.
Why did the licence fee change?
Last year, the Secretary of State announced a 2.9% price increase, effective as of April 1 2025, in line with the annual CPI inflation rate.
The official TV Licensing site confirms this represents a rise of just over 1p daily and marks only the second licence fee increase since April 1 2021. The change has resulted in an increase to the annual colour licence fee, now £174.50, while the black and white licence fee remains £58.50 per year.
Future licence fee increases will be tied to CPI inflation for the next four years, ending in 2027.
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