The price of the standard TV Licence has gone up to £174.50 this year, following a government increase in April. This fee is mandatory for households or businesses that watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer.
Surprisingly, certain individuals may qualify for a free or discounted licence under specific circumstances. This includes those with black-and-white TV sets, who typically pay £58.50 annually under the licence scheme.
Government guidance indicates that individuals over 75 years old receiving Pension Credit or living with a partner who receives it can get a free TV Licence. It’s important to note that Pension Credit is distinct from the State Pension, providing additional support to those with low incomes.
People claiming Pension Credit can apply for a free TV Licence at age 74, with coverage starting from their 75th birthday. Additionally, individuals who are blind or in residential care can apply for a discounted TV Licence, with the cost reduced to £7.50 for eligible individuals.
Moreover, individuals who are registered blind or living with a blind person can get a 50% reduction on their TV Licence, lowering the cost of a color licence to £87.25. The licence must be in the blind person’s name to qualify for this discount.
Those over 75 and receiving Pension Credit can apply for a free licence online or by phone. For individuals who are registered blind, applications for a discounted licence can be made on the TV Licensing website.
For more details, visit GOV.UK or the official TV Licensing website. The recent 2.9% price increase announced by the Secretary of State will come into effect from April 1, 2025, aligned with annual CPI inflation. Future fee increases will be linked to CPI inflation until 2027.