It’s possible to get a sizeable reduction in the cost if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
Illustrative stock image of a TV license warning letter. (Image: Getty)
UK households can reduce the cost of their TV license by half on one condition. A standard colour TV licence, which allows you to record programmes on a TV, computer or other device as they’re broadcast, as well as on-demand BBC programmes on iPlayer, currently costs £180 per year.
However, you may receive a reduction or even avoid paying the fee altogether if you meet certain eligibility criteria. For example, there’s a 50% discount if you’re registered blind or live with someone who is. The GOV.UK website explains that the licence must be in the blind person’s name, though you can make a new application to transfer it into their name if not. Those applying will need to provide their existing TV licence number.
You can find out more on the GOV.UK website.
It’s one of a number of reductions available depending on your circumstances. For example, people who are retired and 60 or over and live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation can receive an (ARC) concessionary TV Licence for just £7.50 per year.
The TV Licensing website explains that if retirees are in paid work, it “must be for no more than 15 hours per week” to qualify for it. You can also get one if you’re living in residential care homes and sheltered accommodation and are disabled, regardless of age.
The TV Licensing website FAQ page explains that those applying, “must have substantially impaired sight, hearing or speech, a mental disorder or be substantially physically disabled by illness, any impairment present from birth or otherwise”.
You can continue to get the £7.50 discount after reachingstate pension age (currently 66 but gradually rising to 67 over the next two years).
The website notes in guidance to housing managers that there “may be occasions where certain residents still qualify for a concession, but the scheme has lost its concession”, under a clause called preserved rights to stop a small number of people who were previously entitled to it from missing out after the rules were changed.
Meanwhile, if you’re claiming Pension Credit and are at least 75 years old you can get the license completely free.
You can also get one if you’re 75 and over and live with a partner who gets Pension Credit, with the licence covering everyone living at your address.
You can find out more about how to apply on the GOV.UK website. If you have a housing manager, they can check if you can get it and apply for you