The TV Licence fee has been a staple cost for many Brits for decades since it was introduced in 1946. At the time, the BBC was the only broadcaster in the country, and the licence cost £2 - the equivalent of around £105 today.
Although the way we watch television has changed hugely since then, with the introduction of more channels, including streaming and on-demand sites, we are still expected to pay this bill every year. As of April 2024, the current cost of the licence is £169.50, and it'll rise to £174.50 a year on Tuesday, April 1.
Even if you don't watch any BBC channels, many households will still need a licence, as it is required to:
- Watch or record programmes as they're being shown live on any TV channel
- Watch programmes live on any online TV service - for instance, Channel 4, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video.
It is also needed to download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer. But there are four lesser-known reasons you don't actually need to pay for a licence while still using your TV.
On the , it explains that you do not need a TV Licence if you only watch:
- Streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus
- On-demand TV through services like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video
- Videos on websites like YouTube
- Videos or DVDs.
Certain people are also exempt from paying for a TV licence or can pay a discounted rate.
If you're 75 or overThe Government website says you can get a free TV Licence if you're 75 or older and you either:
- Get Pension Credit
- Live with your partner who gets Pension Credit.
You can apply when you're 74 if you already get Pension Credit. You'll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. After that you'll be covered by your free licence.
You can apply for a free licence online via . You can also apply by phone at 0300 790 6071.
If you're in residential care or sheltered accommodationThis allows you to apply for a discount. You can get a TV Licence for £7.50 if you live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation.
To qualify, you must also be either:
- Retired and over 60
- Disabled.
Your housing manager can check if you can get it and will apply for you.
If you're registered blindYou can get a 50% discount if you're registered blind, or severely sight impaired, or live with someone who is. The licence must be in the blind person's name - if it's not, you can make a new application to transfer it into their name.
You'll need to provide your existing TV Licence number when you apply. You can apply online at .
