How to get a TV licence for free and save £159 a year as fee set to rise
TV watchers can save £159 a year on the licence fee before charges are set to rise next year.
It comes as part of a government plan to freeze charges to help with the rising cost of living, but it won’t last forever.
The charge for a TV licence is currently stuck at £159 until 2024, thanks to the government.
It has risen every April in line with inflation since 2017, but households don’t need to worry about that this year.
But by April 2024, the price freeze will have ended, and the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is forecasting that the inflation figure used will be 8.2%.
That means you’ll need to fork out another £13 – paying £172 instead of the current £159.
Everyone who watches TV in the UK needs to pay their annual licence fee, which counts for any live TV or anything on BBC iPlayer on any device.
If you don’t have one it’s a criminal offence and you could be landed with a fine of £1,000.
But if you’re on Pension Credit and over the age of 75, you might be exempt, meaning you could save £159 a year.
Pension Credit is a benefit designed to boost incomes, but it’s estimated millions are entitled to it and don’t claim it.
That means many are missing out on the free TV licence and other help too.
Similarly, if you or someone you live with is in any way visually impaired, they may be entitled to a 50% discount.
If you live in a residential care home or sheltered accommodation, you may be able to apply for a reduced licence which will normally cost you £7.50 instead.
Plus if you’re a student you could be covered by your parents’ licence even if you live away from home – but you shouldn’t watch on a device plugged into the mains in this case.
Do I need a TV licence?
If you want to watch or record live TV then, yes, you need a licence.
This includes recording it live and watching it later.
Live TV includes all programmes on any channel, including soaps, series, documentaries and even movies.
In addition, the rules apply even if you don’t watch the shows on an actual TV – for example, if you watch programmes that are being broadcast live on a PC, laptop, tablet or phone.
A colour TV licence currently costs £159 a year. A licence for watching a black and white TV costs £53.50.
You’ll need to apply for a free licence on the TV licensing website or call 0300 790 6117.
More on Pension Credit
Pension Credit grants you £201 a week – and it’s paid to those who have reached state pension age and are on a low income.
It will increase by 10.1% from April 10 for those on the benefit. Single people will receive £201 a week as of right now, while couples will get £306.
This will likely change next April again.
You can get extra amounts to top up the benefit depending on your circumstances.
It is available for people who are over the state pension age, and who live in England, Scotland or Wales.
This is currently rising to 66 for both men and women.
To qualify, you’ll need to have a weekly income of less than £182.60 for single people or £278.70 for couples.
For more information on who’s eligible and how much you could get, read our guide here.
Remember you can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.
Applications for pension credit can be made on the government website or by ringing the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.