Pensioners Confused Over Free TV Licence – Here’s The Official Answer

Are you unsure whether you need to pay for a TV Licence or whether you qualify for a free TV Licence? You’re not alone. Many UK pensioners find the rules confusing—especially with changing prices and concessions.

This simple guide explains what a TV Licence covers, the current 2025 rules, and the new Government announcement that changes everything from 1 September 2025. You’ll also see who still needs to pay, how to apply or switch to a free licence, and a quick table you can save or share.

What a TV Licence actually covers

A TV Licence is required if you:

• Watch or record any live TV on any channel, device, or app, or
• Use BBC iPlayer (live, catch-up, or on-demand).

If you only watch on-demand, non-BBC services (for example, Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+) and never watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, you typically do not need a licence. But if any service includes live channels or live events and you watch them live, a licence is required.

The 2025 fees

As of 2025:

• Colour TV Licence: £174.50 per year
• Black-and-white TV Licence: £58.50 per year
• Blind/severely sight-impaired concession: 50% off the colour fee (£87.25 per year)
• Residential care (ARC) concession: £7.50 per room/flat in eligible accommodation

These amounts and concessions help people who don’t qualify for a free licence under age or benefit rules—or who are not yet covered by the new policy.

The Official Government Announcement

The Government has confirmed that from 1 September 2025, all UK pensioners will once again be eligible for a free TV Licence. That means:

• No age restriction beyond pension age
• No requirement to be on Pension Credit
• All pensioners will automatically qualify

This policy shift follows months of consultation and is designed to support pensioners during ongoing cost-of-living pressures. From this date, if you are at or above pension age, your household TV Licence becomes free (you’ll still need a licence number—see “What to do next” below).

What to do next (step-by-step)

If you’re a pensioner right now (before 1 Sept 2025)

1. Check your current status. If you are 75+ and on Pension Credit, you should already have a free over-75 licence.
2. If you’re not on Pension Credit (or under 75), keep your licence valid and paid until 31 August 2025 to avoid fines.
3. Prepare for the switch. Make sure your name, date of birth, and address are correct with TV Licensing so your account can move to free status smoothly on 1 September 2025.

From 1 September 2025

1. Automatic qualification. If you are at or above pension age, you qualify automatically for a free TV Licence.
2. Check your account. If you have an active paid licence, you should be moved to free—and if you have full unused months, you can request a refund.
3. New pensioners. As soon as you hit pension age, apply for or switch to the free licence. Keep your licence details safe (you still need a licence number, even when it’s free).

Who still needs to pay after 1 September 2025?

• Non-pensioner households (under pension age) that watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer must pay the standard fee.
• Second homes held by those below pension age may still require a paid licence if watched live or iPlayer is used there.
• Businesses and public premises follow separate licensing rules.

Here’s the bottom line: until 31 August 2025, most people pay the standard TV Licence fee unless they qualify for an existing concession (like over-75s on Pension Credit, blind concession, or ARC).

From 1 September 2025, the Government’s new policy means all UK pensioners—anyone at or above pension age—will receive a free TV Licence, with no Pension Credit requirement and no extra age threshold.

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