You need a TV licence to watch or record live TV, or if you watch anything – whether it is live, or catch-up – on BBC iPlayer
Thousands of people born in 1950 may become eligible for a free TV licence from this year.
If you are over the age of 75 and you claim Pension Credit, then you are entitled to free TV licence. A TV licence now costs £174.50.
Once you turn aged 75, if you’re claiming Pension Credit, then you can apply for a refund for any remaining months you have left on your TV licence after your 75th birthday. You must have at least one month left on your TV licence to apply for a refund.
You need a TV licence to watch or record live TV, or if you watch anything – whether it is live, or catch-up – on BBC iPlayer. If you only watch shows on catch-up on streaming services that aren’t BBC iPlayer, then you don’t need a TV licence.
This includes Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5. However, if you watch live TV shows through these streaming services, then you would need a TV licence.
You could face a fine of up to £1,000, or £2,000 in Guernsey, for watching TV without a licence.
Pension Credit explained
It’s estimated that 800,000 eligible households are missing out on Pension Credit every year. Pension Credit is designed to increase your weekly income.
The main part of Pension Credit is known as “Guarantee Credit” and this tops up your weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single, or to £346.60 if you’re in a couple.
Your income normally needs to be below these amounts to be eligible, but you might still be able to claim if you have a higher income and you have a disability, you’re a carer, or you have to housing costs.
You can be entitled to extra amounts if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. There is also the “Savings Credit” part of Pension Credit which is for those who reached state pension age before April 2016.
To qualify, you have to earn above £198.27 if you’re single, or £314.34 if you’re in a couple. “Savings Credit” gives you up to £17.30 a week if you’re single, and £19.36 if you’re in a couple.
Pension Credit also unlocks other financial help, such as free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses or contact lenses. The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,900 each year.
If you believe you are eligible, you can apply for Pension Credit on GOV.UK, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by printing out and filling in a paper application form. You can apply up to four months before you reach state pension age.