A TV Licence is required to watch or record programmes on a TV, computer or other device on any channel or service as they’re broadcast, including on-demand BBC programmes on iPlayer
State pensioners across the UK have the opportunity to reduce their TV Licence bill to £0 in just 16 minutes, provided they meet certain criteria. The current cost of a TV Licence is £174.50 per annum, or £58.50 for black and white TV sets, following a government-imposed increase of £5 in April this year, adding an additional 42p per month to household expenses.
A TV Licence is necessary to watch or record programmes on a TV, computer or other device across any channel or service as they’re broadcast, including on-demand BBC programmes on iPlayer. However, state pensioners aged 75 and over who are on a low income can reduce their TV Licence fee to £0 simply by claiming one specific government benefit.
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Pension Credit provides additional funds to those over State Pension age with a low income, averaging around £4,300 per year. For eligible individuals, it boosts your weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single, or your joint weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner.
Moreover, receiving this benefit grants access to a range of other assistance – including a free TV Licence, reports the Express.
Pension Credit serves as a gateway to a plethora of other financial support, enabling eligible pensioners to access benefits such as Housing Benefit, a Winter Fuel Payment, a Council Tax discount, help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs, and a free TV Licence for those aged 75 and over.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), it takes an average of just 16 minutes to apply, potentially unlocking thousands of pounds in additional financial support.
Those already receiving Pension Credit can apply for a free TV Licence when they turn 74, although they must continue to pay for their licence until the end of the month before their 75th birthday. After this point, their free licence will cover them.
However, for those who don’t qualify for Pension Credit, there are alternative methods to decrease your TV Licence bill, or even avoid it entirely.
If you reside in a residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation, you may be eligible for a reduced fee TV Licence.
If you’re blind (severely sight impaired) and can provide suitable evidence, you can apply for a 50% discount on your TV Licence. However, if neither of these conditions apply, you’ll have to pay the full rate for a TV Licence.
Even if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for Pension Credit or qualify for a reduced fee TV Licence, there are still several ways to cut costs.
TV Licences are issued per household, not per individual. Thus, if you reside in a house with multiple occupants, it’s not necessary for everyone to have their own licence.
Instead, the cost of one licence can be shared among all residents. This applies if you watch television in a communal area or if you have a joint tenancy agreement. However, if you have separate tenancy agreements and watch TV in your private room, you’ll need to cover your own licence fee.
There’s no requirement for a TV Licence to access streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus, on-demand TV via platforms such as All 4 and Amazon Prime Video, online videos on sites like YouTube, or DVDs and Blu-rays.
Therefore, if you’re content with solely utilising these services, and refrain from watching or recording any live TV or BBC iPlayer, you could save yourself £174.50.
Be aware though, if you do watch or record live TV without a TV Licence, you could face a fine of up to £1,000.