Who is eligible for a free TV Licence now?
Following changes implemented by the BBC in August 2020, the universal free TV licence for all individuals over 75 was abolished. Instead, the eligibility is now linked to Pension Credit. This means a person, including those living in Scotland, can get a free TV Licence if they are aged 75 or over AND receive Pension Credit.
It is important to understand that this is not an automatic entitlement. An eligible individual must apply for the free licence. Crucially, if you are over 75 but do not receive Pension Credit, you will need to pay for your licence. The free licence is available to the household, so if one person over 75 receives Pension Credit, anyone living at the same address is covered.
Pension Credit and Free TV Licences
For many over-75s, the Pension Credit link is the pathway to a free TV licence. This benefit is designed to top up the retirement income of people of State Pension age who are on a low income. Many people who are entitled to Pension Credit do not claim it, so checking your eligibility is a worthwhile step. Applying for Pension Credit, if eligible, could unlock not only a free TV licence but also other financial support for housing costs, Council Tax, and heating bills.
How to check for Pension Credit
Checking your eligibility for Pension Credit can be done through the UK Government website. You can find out more by visiting the GOV.UK Pension Credit page. The service provides an easy-to-use online calculator to give you an estimate of what you could receive. Contacting the Pension Service directly is another option if you prefer speaking to an adviser. For those in Scotland, the rules are consistent with the UK-wide policy for eligibility of this benefit.
Other TV Licence concessions
Even if you are over 60 but under 75 and not receiving Pension Credit, there are other concessions available that could reduce the cost of your licence. These are not dependent on your location within the UK, meaning the same rules apply in Scotland as elsewhere.
- Severely Sight Impaired (Blind): If you are registered as severely sight impaired, you can apply for a 50% concession on your TV licence. To apply, the licence holder must be the registered person. This concession also covers anyone else living at the same address. You will need to provide proof of your registration from an ophthalmologist or your local council.
- Residential Care: If you live in a qualifying residential care home, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation, you may be eligible for an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) concessionary licence. This licence is significantly cheaper than the standard fee. You should speak to the manager or warden of your accommodation to see if your home qualifies.
TV Licence eligibility comparison
To make the rules clearer, here is a comparison of different eligibility scenarios:
| Situation | Eligibility for Free Licence | Eligibility for Reduced Fee Licence | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 60 and not on Pension Credit | No | No | Must pay the standard fee unless another concession applies. |
| Over 75 and on Pension Credit | Yes | N/A | Applies to the whole household at that address. |
| Over 75 but not on Pension Credit | No | No | Must pay the standard fee. |
| Registered Blind (Severely Sight Impaired) | No | Yes (50% discount) | Discount applies to the household, regardless of age, provided the licence is in the registered person's name. |
| Resident in Qualifying Care Home | No | Yes (£7.50 ARC Licence) | Requires the care home to qualify; resident must be retired over 60 or disabled. |
The process for claiming a free or reduced-cost licence
Applying for a free or discounted licence is a relatively straightforward process, though it does require you to provide evidence. For a free licence, you can apply online or by phone when you are 74, as long as you are already receiving Pension Credit. TV Licensing will then check your details with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
For a sight-impaired concession, you will need to apply directly to TV Licensing with proof of your registration. For the ARC licence in a care home, the manager of your accommodation is responsible for arranging the application.
What if my circumstances change?
If you are on a free or concessionary licence and your circumstances change, you must notify TV Licensing. For example, if you stop receiving Pension Credit or move out of a qualifying care home, you will need to start paying for a licence. Failure to do so could result in a fine. Conversely, if you become eligible, you can apply for a change to your licence at any time.
Summary of Free TV Licences in Scotland
The rule changes from August 2020 have been a significant adjustment for many older people across the UK, including those in Scotland. The link to Pension Credit ensures that the concession is targeted towards those most in need of financial assistance. While the simple over-60s entitlement no longer exists, being over 75 and on Pension Credit, or having a severe sight impairment, provides key avenues for financial support regarding your TV licence. Keeping informed about your eligibility and potential benefits like Pension Credit is the best way to secure any assistance available. If you have any doubt, it's always best to check the official TV Licensing website or speak to a support organization like Age UK.
