There has been a great deal of excitement recently regarding news about free TV licences for pensioners. For many older people across the UK, the television is a vital source of news and company, so any chance to save money on the annual fee is very welcome. However, it is important to look at the details to see exactly who can stop paying the fee and how the claim process works.
The truth is that while there is no new law giving a free licence to every single person over state pension age, the government is making a huge push to help those who are eligible but have not yet claimed. Currently, the standard TV licence fee is set to rise to £180 from April 1, 2026. For many households on a fixed income, this is a large expense, but thousands of people are actually entitled to get it for nothing right now.
Who Exactly Can Get a Free TV Licence?
The main rule for getting a free licence has not changed, but the government is trying to make sure everyone who can benefit does so. To qualify for a free TV licence in 2026, you must meet two main conditions. First, you must be aged 75 or over. Second, you or your partner living at the same address must be receiving a benefit called Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is often called a gateway benefit because once you have it, it unlocks many other forms of help, including the TV licence. The Department for Work and Pensions estimates that many people are missing out on Pension Credit even though they are eligible. If you are one of them, successfully claiming this benefit will allow you to get your TV licence for free, saving you £180 every year.
How to Make Your Claim
If you are 75 or older and already get Pension Credit, you do not have to wait for the government to contact you. You can start your application for a free licence today. The process is designed to be simple and can be done over the phone or online. If you are 74, you can even apply early so that your free cover starts the moment you reach your 75th birthday.
| Group | Eligibility Status | Annual Cost in 2026 |
| Aged 75+ on Pension Credit | Eligible for Free Licence | £0 |
| Aged 75+ not on Pension Credit | Must Pay Full Fee | £180 |
| Registered Blind (Any Age) | Eligible for 50 percent off | £90 |
| Residential Care Residents | Eligible for ARC Licence | £7.50 |
Other Ways to Lower Your Costs
Even if you do not qualify for a completely free licence, there are other ways the government and the BBC help with the cost. For example, if you are registered as blind or severely sight impaired, you can apply for a 50 percent discount. This brings the cost of a colour TV licence down to £90 for the year.
- Simple Payment Plan: This allows people who are struggling to split their annual payment into smaller fortnightly or monthly instalments.
- Care Home Rules: People living in sheltered housing or residential care may only have to pay £7.50 for a special licence.
- Black and White Sets: While rare, those with a black and white television only pay £60.50 per year from April 2026.
- Streaming Only: You do not need a licence if you only watch on demand services like Netflix or Disney Plus and never watch live TV or BBC iPlayer.
Staying Safe from Scams
Because there is so much talk about the TV licence at the moment, scammers are trying to trick people. They may send emails or texts saying your licence is about to expire or that you must “claim your refund” by clicking a link. Please be very careful. Official TV Licensing letters will usually be sent through the post and will never ask for your bank details via a text message.
If you are unsure about your status, the best thing to do is call the official helpline or visit the GOV.UK website. They can tell you exactly what you need to do to secure your free licence if you are entitled to one. Taking a few minutes to check could save you a significant amount of money this year.
FAQs
Q: Did the government make the TV licence free for all pensioners?
A: No. It remains free only for those aged 75 and over who also receive Pension Credit. The recent news highlights the government encouraging more people to claim the benefits they are owed.
Q: I am over 75 but I do not get Pension Credit. Do I have to pay?
A: Yes. If you do not receive Pension Credit, you must still pay the full fee which is rising to £180 per year in April 2026.
Q: Can I apply if my partner receives Pension Credit instead of me?
A: Yes. As long as you live at the same address and one of you receives Pension Credit and is over 75, the household is covered.
Q: What if I don’t watch the BBC?
A: You still need a licence if you watch any live TV on any channel (like ITV, Channel 4, or Sky) or if you use the BBC iPlayer service.
Last updated: 16 Mar 2026 (UK Time)
