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The TV Licence fee is a mandatory cost for many households. As of April 2026, the price for a standard colour licence is £180 a year.
But what if you didn’t have to pay the full amount? Or anything at all?
This guide explains exactly who qualifies for a discount, an exemption, or even a full refund. We cover every official route to cut your costs.
Do I Really Need a TV Licence in 2026?
First, let’s clear up the biggest point of confusion. You only need a TV Licence for specific activities, no matter what device you use.
This includes your smart TV, laptop, phone, tablet, or games console. The rules apply to all of them.
You absolutely must have a licence if you do any of the following:
- Watch or record live TV programmes on any channel (like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, or Sky).
- Watch or download any programmes on BBC iPlayer.
The requirement for BBC iPlayer catches many people out. Even if you only watch on demand, iPlayer usage means you need a licence.
However, you do not need a TV Licence if you only watch:
- Streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+.
- On-demand content from other providers like ITVX or Channel 4 (but not live).
- Videos on sites like YouTube.
- DVDs or Blu-rays that you own.
The key is live TV and BBC iPlayer. If you never use either, you can legally inform TV Licensing that you do not need a licence.
How Much Does a TV Licence Cost Now?
As of 1 April 2026, the cost for a standard colour TV Licence is £180 per year. This was an increase of 3.15% to match inflation.
Most people pay this fee annually or break it down into monthly or quarterly direct debits. There is another, less common option available.
If you have an old black and white television, the licence fee is significantly lower at £60.50 per year.
Who Can Get a TV Licence for Free? The Over 75 Rule
This is the most well known concession, but the rules are very specific. Being over 75 alone is not enough to qualify for a free licence.
To get a free TV Licence, you or your partner living at the same address must meet two conditions:
- You must be aged 75 or over.
- You must be receiving Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is a separate benefit from the State Pension. It provides extra income for people over State Pension age on a low income.
If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you are eligible. Even if only your partner gets it, the household still qualifies.
If you are over 75 but do not receive Pension Credit, you must pay the full £180 fee. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Are There Other Discounts Available? 50% Off for Blind People
Yes, there is a significant discount for anyone who is registered as severely sight impaired, also known as blind.
This concession gives you a 50% discount on the licence fee. This reduces the cost of a colour licence from £180 to just £90.
To claim this, the TV Licence must be in the name of the person who is registered blind. This is a vital detail.
If you live with family and the licence is in someone else’s name, you will need to contact TV Licensing to transfer it into your name first.
You will need to provide proof, such as a copy of your Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) or a letter from your local authority.
What About Care Homes? The £7.50 Concessionary Licence
There is a special, low cost licence for people in certain types of residential care. It’s called the ARC licence.
ARC stands for Accommodation for Residential Care. This licence costs just £7.50 per room, flat, or bungalow.
This scheme is available to residents in eligible nursing homes, care homes, and some sheltered or supported housing.
To qualify, you must be retired and aged 60 or over, or be disabled. Your housing must also be part of a qualifying scheme.
The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to speak directly to your warden, administrator, or care home manager.
They usually handle the application process for the entire residence, making it a very simple process for you.
How to Apply for a Discount or Free TV Licence
Applying for any of these concessions is straightforward. The most direct route is through the official TV Licensing website.
Here’s what to do:
- Visit the official site: Go to tvlicensing.co.uk. Do not use any other website.
- Find the concessions page: Look for sections on “Discounts and concessions”.
- Complete the form: Fill in your details, including your name, address, and TV Licence number if you have one.
- Provide evidence: You’ll be asked to upload or post copies of your documents.
For the Over 75 concession, you’ll need your National Insurance number to prove your age and receipt of Pension Credit.
For the blind concession, you’ll need your certificate of severe sight impairment.
If you’re not comfortable online, you can call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6117 to request paper forms to be sent to your home.
Think You’ve Overpaid? How to Claim a Refund
Many people pay the full fee for months or even years before realising they were eligible for a discount. You may be able to claim that money back.
You can apply for a refund if you paid for a licence when you were entitled to a free one or a 50% discount.
You can also claim a refund if you stop needing a licence altogether because you no longer watch live TV or BBC iPlayer.
To start the process, head to the official TV Licensing website and find their dedicated “Refunds” page.
You will need to provide your TV Licence number and evidence to support your claim. This could be a Pension Credit award letter or a CVI.
Refunds are calculated based on when you became eligible, so be prepared with dates. Keep copies of any letters or documents you send.
Warning: How to Spot and Avoid TV Licence Scams
Scammers are very active and often use fake TV Licensing emails or text messages to trick people into giving away their bank details.
These messages often look very official. They might threaten you with a fine or promise you a refund to lure you in.
Remember: TV Licensing will never email or text you to ask for your bank details. They will never ask you to click a link to “process a refund.”
Look for these red flags:
- The email doesn’t use your name and starts with “Dear Customer”.
- It asks you to click a link to update your payment details.
- The message creates a sense of panic, suggesting your licence is about to be cancelled.
- There are spelling or grammar mistakes.
If you get a suspicious message, do not click anything. Forward it to the National Cyber Security Centre at [email protected].
Always access your account by typing tvlicensing.co.uk directly into your browser’s address bar.
Your Next Steps: Get Your TV Licence Sorted Today
Understanding your TV Licence obligations and rights is key to managing your household bills. Don’t pay more than you need to.
Check now if you are receiving Pension Credit or if you qualify for another concession. It could save you up to £180 a year.
Use the official channels mentioned here to apply, get help, or claim a refund. It’s your money, so make sure you’re getting what you are entitled to.
