The annual TV Licence fee in the UK for a colour licence currently stands at £169.50, and £57.00 for black-and-white. For many pensioners, especially those on fixed incomes, this cost adds strain.
Fortunately, through DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) benefits, pensioners aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit can get a free TV licence, saving the full £169.50 per year.
Key Eligibility and Savings
| Category | Requirement | Benefit / Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Pensioners 75+ on Pension Credit | Must be 75 or older and receiving Pension Credit | Free TV Licence – saves £169.50 per year |
| Already on Pension Credit at 74 | If you already receive Pension Credit, you can apply at 74 | Free licence begins at 75 (still saved at 75) |
| Visually Impaired | Must be registered blind or severely sight impaired | 50% discount – approx £84.75 saved |
| Residential Care / Sheltered Housing | Must live in eligible residential care, over 60 or disabled | ARC licence: £7.50 per year – saves ≈ £162 |
Current Rules (As of 2025)
- Only pensioners who are 75 or over and receiving Pension Credit qualify for a free TV licence. Other pensioners aged 75+ without Pension Credit are not automatically exempt.
- Around 50,000 pensioners already on Pension Credit have not yet claimed their free licence, while 425,000 pensioners who may qualify for Pension Credit are yet to apply, missing out on this and other benefits.
- The standard colour licence price remains £169.50, but it’s expected to rise to £174.50 in April 2025.
How to Apply
- Check your eligibility: You must be 75+ and receive Pension Credit, or be registered blind, or live in eligible residential care.
- Apply via the TV Licensing website, by phone (0300 790 6071), or post.
- If you are already over 75 and on Pension Credit, apply as soon as possible; if you’re 74 and have Pension Credit, you can apply ahead to have the licence become free on your 75th birthday.
- If eligible and you’ve already paid the full licence fee for the year, you can often claim a refund for any unused portion.
Why Many Seniors Miss Out
- Lack of awareness: Many seniors do not know that they must apply separately for the free licence even if they’re already on Pension Credit.
- Misconceptions: Some believe the free licence applies automatically to all over-75s, while now it’s limited to those with Pension Credit.
- Under-claiming Pension Credit: Many pensioners who qualify for Pension Credit don’t apply, missing out on £169.50 in licence savings plus other benefits like Winter Fuel Payments and Council Tax Reduction.
For many elderly residents in the UK, a TV Licence fee of £169.50 can feel like a hefty burden. However, pensioners aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit are eligible for a completely free licence, saving the full amount each year.
To take advantage, seniors should check and apply for Pension Credit, then apply separately for the free licence, and consider requesting a refund if they’ve already paid.
Maximising this benefit can mean hundreds more in their pocket—especially at a time when every penny counts.
FAQs
Do I need Pension Credit to get a free TV licence if I’m over 75?
Yes — free TV licence for over-75s is only available if you’re receiving Pension Credit.
Can someone already on Pension Credit apply for the free licence before turning 75?
Yes — if you’re already on Pension Credit at age 74, you can apply early; it becomes free from your 75th birthday.
I watched TV earlier this year and already paid; can I get a refund now?
Yes — if you qualify, you can often apply for a refund for the unused part of your licence.
