A TV Licence is required by law for any household or organisation that watches or records live TV on any channel, or downloads or watches any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer. However, not everyone needs to pay the standard fee. Several exemptions and concessions exist for specific circumstances, including age, disability, and living situation.
Free TV Licence for Over-75s on Pension Credit
As of August 1, 2020, the rules for a free TV Licence for those aged 75 or over were changed. The free licence is no longer automatically provided based on age alone. To be eligible for a free licence today, you must be 75 years or older and receive Pension Credit.
How to apply for a free over-75s licence
You must have proof that you or your partner living at the same address receives Pension Credit. The free licence is not automatic, so you must apply through TV Licensing, either online or by phone. A free licence covers everyone living at your address.
Half-Price TV Licence for Blind (Severely Sight Impaired) People
Individuals who are registered as severely sight impaired (blind) can claim a 50% concession on their TV Licence. This licence covers anyone who lives with them, as long as the licence is in their name. Partially sighted people do not qualify.
How to prove severe sight impairment
Proof of severe sight impairment is required to apply for the discount. Accepted documentation includes a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI), BD8 certificate, a document from a local authority, a certificate from an ophthalmologist, or a tax coding notice showing receipt of Blind Person’s Allowance {Link: TV Licensing ™ https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/blindseverely-sight-impaired-aud5}.
Concessionary Licence for Care Home Residents
Residents in eligible residential care homes, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation may qualify for an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) concessionary TV Licence. This licence has a significantly reduced cost per room, flat, or bungalow.
Eligibility for an ARC Licence
Residents qualify if they are retired and aged 60 or over (working no more than 15 hours per week) or are disabled. The care home manager or warden is usually responsible for arranging the ARC licence.
When You Don't Need a TV Licence at All
A TV Licence is not required if you only watch on-demand content on streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, watch DVDs, Blu-rays, or non-live video clips on YouTube, or use a TV for video games. However, a licence is necessary if you watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or use BBC iPlayer for any content.
Comparison of Key TV Licence Exemptions and Concessions
| Exemption Type | Eligibility Criteria | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Licence (Over-75s) | Must be 75 or over AND receive Pension Credit. | Free | Must apply to TV Licensing; covers all residents at the address. |
| Blind (Severely Sight Impaired) | Registered as severely sight impaired (blind) with acceptable proof {Link: TV Licensing ™ https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/blindseverely-sight-impaired-aud5}. | 50% discount | Licence must be in the severely sight impaired person's name. |
| Care Home (ARC Licence) | Reside in a qualifying care home/sheltered housing, be retired and 60+, or disabled. | £7.50 | Arranged by care home manager; applies per room/flat. |
| No Licence Needed | Never watch or record live TV on any device, or use BBC iPlayer. | Free | Requires a 'No Licence Needed' declaration to TV Licensing. |
Special Rules for Students and Shared Households
Licence rules in shared accommodation depend on the tenancy agreement. For a joint tenancy, one licence covers the property. In houses with separate tenancies (HMO), each resident needs their own licence for their room and communal areas. Students in halls generally need their own licence for their room, but a parent’s licence may cover a battery-powered device. A lodger is usually covered by the homeowner's licence if they are family or a common law partner living in the same property.
Conclusion
While a TV Licence is mandatory for watching or recording live TV and using BBC iPlayer, exemptions and concessions are available. Eligibility for over-75s now requires Pension Credit. A half-price discount exists for those with a severe sight impairment, and a low-cost ARC licence is for eligible care home residents. No licence is needed if you only watch on-demand content on services other than BBC iPlayer. For specific advice, consult the official TV Licensing website.
