Do people over 75 need to pay for a TV licence?

Do people over 75 need to pay for a TV licence?

 In Blog, Funding Advice

Quick Answer: If you’re aged 75 or older and receive Pension Credit, you’re entitled to a free TV licence. If you’re over 75 but don’t receive Pension Credit, you’ll need to pay the standard licence fee of £174.50.

This changed in August 2020 when the UK government transferred responsibility for the cost of any concession to the BBC, ending universal free TV licences for all over-75s.

Who Gets a Free TV Licence?

Over-75s Receiving Pension Credit

You can receive a free TV licence if you:

  • Are aged 75 or older and
  • Receive Pension Credit (either Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit)

Your free licence covers everyone living at your address, regardless of their age.

Living with Someone Over 74

You’re also entitled to a free TV licence if:

  • You live in the same household as someone aged over 75 who receives Pension Credit
  • The TV licence matches the name held on the Pension Credit claim

How to Apply for Your Free TV Licence

There are three ways to contact TV Licensing and apply for a free licence:

1. Apply Online
Visit the TV licensing website: www.tvlicensing.co.uk

2. By Phone
Call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6117
Free helpline: 0800 232 1382

3. By Post
Request an application form and return it by post

You’ll need your National Insurance number and details confirming receipt of Pension Credit from the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions).

Other Ways to Get a Free TV Licence or Discount

Blind or Severely Sight Impaired Concession

If you’re registered as blind or severely sight impaired, you can get a discount of 50% off the standard licence fee. This applies whether you live alone or with others.

To apply for a 50% discount:

  • Contact TV Licensing with proof of your visual impairment
  • The reduced rate applies regardless of your age

TV Licences for Care Home Residents

If you live in a care home or sheltered accommodation for residential care, special rules apply:

You need a discounted TV licence if:

  • You watch TV in your private bedroom or flat
  • Cost: £7.50 (this is called an Accommodation for Residential Care or ARC licence)

You don’t need a TV licence if:

  • You only watch TV in communal areas like the lounge or dining room
  • The care home covers these communal viewing areas

This discounted type of licence remains the same price at each renewal.

What Does a TV Licence Cover?

A valid TV licence allows you to:

Watch or record live TV on any channel, including:

  • BBC programmes and services (BBC One, BBC Two, BBC iPlayer)
  • ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5
  • Sky, Virgin Media, BT TV, Now TV

Stream live content on any device:

  • TV sets
  • Laptops, tablets, mobile phones
  • Games consoles (Xbox, PlayStation)

Use BBC iPlayer for live or on-demand content

Whether you’re watching live TV on a traditional TV set or using BBC iPlayer on your phone, you need a licence to watch or record live programmes and services.

When You Don’t Need a TV Licence

You don’t need to pay for a TV licence if you:

  • Only watch on-demand content (not live) from services other than BBC iPlayer
  • Watch DVDs or streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime (when not watching live)
  • Live in a care home and only watch TV in communal areas
  • Don’t watch or record any live TV or use BBC iPlayer

If your home is unoccupied, you still need a licence if anyone watches live TV there.

Understanding Pension Credit

What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit is a benefit for older people on low incomes who have reached state pension age. Many UK households don’t claim Pension Credit even though they’re eligible.

According to Age UK, around 1.5 million households could get Pension Credit but aren’t claiming it.

How to Claim Pension Credit

If you think you might be eligible:

Claiming Pension Credit not only helps with the cost of living but also makes you entitled to a free TV licence once you turn 75.

How to Pay for Your Licence

If you need to pay the full fee, TV Licensing offers flexible payment options:

  • Direct Debit (monthly or quarterly payments)
  • TV Licensing Payment Card (weekly or monthly)
  • One-time payment by debit/credit card online or by phone
  • By post with a cheque

The standard TV licence costs £174.50 per year (correct as of 2025).

Changes to Your Circumstances

Moving House

If you move address:

  • Update your licence on the TV Licensing website or by calling 0300 790 6117
  • Your licence moves with you to your new flat or bungalow
  • If moving to a care home, check if you still need a licence

After Bereavement

If the licence holder has passed away:

  • Anyone else living at the address remains covered until the licence expires
  • Ownership can be transferred to another person in the household
  • Contact TV Licensing to update the name on the licence

Moving in with Family

If you move in with someone who already has a TV licence paid (such as a spouse or family member), their licence covers you. However, if you’re a lodger or tenant in someone’s home, you’ll still need a licence for your room if you watch live TV there.

Why TV Matters in Later Life

For older people, television provides:

Mental Stimulation
Quiz shows and game shows help maintain memory and cognitive function

Social Connection
Watching TV in care homes or with family creates opportunities for conversation and shared experiences

Staying Informed
Keep up with current affairs and events around the world

Entertainment and Mood
TV can lift spirits and provide comfort, especially for those with limited mobility

Many residents in care homes enjoy watching BBC programmes together in communal lounges, which is why the special rules exist for care home TV licences.

Key Information Summary

✓ Over-75s receiving Pension Credit get a free licence
✓ The universal free licence for all over-75s ended in August 2020
✓ Apply online, by phone, or by post to get your free licence
✓ Check if you’re eligible for Pension Credit—you might be missing out
✓ Blind or severely sight impaired people get 50% off at any age
✓ Care home residents may only need a £7.50 ARC licence
✓ You need a licence to watch live TV on any device or use BBC iPlayer

Get Help and Information

TV Licensing
Phone: 0300 790 6117
Website: www.tvlicensing.co.uk

Age UK (for Pension Credit advice)
Phone: 0800 678 1602
Website: www.ageuk.org.uk

Pension Credit Claims
Phone: 0800 99 1234
Website: www.gov.uk/pension-credit

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Website: www.gov.uk/dwp

Life at Lidder Care Homes

At Lidder Care, our residents enjoy comfortable communal lounges with TVs where they can relax, watch their favourite BBC programmes, keep up with the news, and enjoy quiz shows together. Television viewing is just one of many activities we offer to keep residents engaged and connected.

Our care homes—Newgate Lodge and Lowmoor in Mansfield—provide warm, welcoming environments where older people can maintain their independence while receiving the support they need.

Keep up to date with the latest Lidder Care news!