Free and discounted TV licences are still available in the UK in October 2025, but they are not universal. The main free licence is for people aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit (you or your partner at the same address). In addition, there is a 50% discount for people who are registered blind (severely sight-impaired), and a special low-cost ARC (Accommodation for Residential Care) licence for residents in eligible care or sheltered housing. Below is a complete, up-to-date guide covering eligibility, documents, application steps, renewals, and what to do if your circumstances change.
Free TV Licence in October 2025 Quick Summary
| Topic | The essentials (October 2025) |
|---|---|
| Who gets a free licence | Households with someone 75+ who gets Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit). Covers the whole household if the eligible person is the licence holder. |
| Who gets a 50% discount | Registered blind (severely sight-impaired) licence holders; discount covers the household if the licence is in their name. |
| Care homes / sheltered housing | ARC concessionary licence: typically £7.50 per room (care/sheltered settings meeting criteria). Applied for via the accommodation provider/manager. |
| Where to apply / check | TV Licensing website and GOV.UK guidance (official links below). |
| Penalties | Watching/recording live TV or BBC iPlayer without a licence can be fined up to £1,000 (higher in Guernsey). (GOV.UK) |
Who Qualifies for a Free TV Licence (Over-75 on Pension Credit)
The current national scheme grants a free TV licence to households with someone aged 75 or over who receives Pension Credit (either Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit). If the eligible person holds the licence, it covers everyone at the address. If you are 74 and already on Pension Credit, you can apply in advance so that the licence becomes free from the month you turn 75.
Key points:
- The age condition alone is not enough: Pension Credit must be in payment for the free licence to apply.
- If your Pension Credit stops, you must tell TV Licensing and pay for a standard licence from that point. Guidance and reminders are provided during renewal checks.
Discounts if You’re Blind (Severely Sight-Impaired)
If you’re registered blind (severely sight-impaired), you can get 50% off the licence fee. The discount also covers everyone living with you, as long as the licence is in your name; if it isn’t, you’ll need to transfer it. You’ll be asked to provide proof of registration. (Note: being partially sighted on its own does not qualify.)
Concessions in Care Homes and Sheltered Housing (ARC)
People in eligible residential care or sheltered accommodation may qualify for an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) concessionary licence, usually £7.50 per room/flat. The accommodation must meet the scheme rules, and applications are normally coordinated by the care home/manager with TV Licensing.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Go to the official TV Licensing website and select the concession relevant to you:
- Over-75 on Pension Credit (free licence)
- Blind concession (50% discount)
- ARC licence (care/sheltered settings)
- Complete the application and upload evidence:
- Over-75: proof of Pension Credit (you or partner) and date of birth.
- Blind concession: proof of registration as severely sight-impaired and that you are (or will be) the licence holder.
- ARC: care provider normally submits on residents’ behalf.
- Keep copies of your evidence and confirmation email/letters. Processing typically completes once documents are verified (timings vary).
- If you prefer phone, use the official numbers on GOV.UK/TV Licensing.
Documents You’ll Need
- Age/Pension Credit: National Insurance number, Pension Credit award notice, and date-of-birth ID (e.g., passport/driver’s licence).
- Blind concession: evidence of registration as severely sight-impaired (from your local authority/RNIB-recognised registration) and the licence in your name.
- ARC licence: confirmation that your accommodation qualifies; the provider usually completes the forms with TV Licensing.
Renewals and Ongoing Checks
- Free over-75 licences: TV Licensing runs periodic checks to confirm ongoing Pension Credit entitlement; you may be asked for updated evidence. If entitlement ends, you must switch to a paid licence.
- Blind concession: you’ll need to keep your registration current and the licence in the eligible person’s name.
- ARC: the accommodation’s eligibility must remain valid; administration is usually handled by the provider.
Moving Home or Changing Circumstances
You can transfer your licence to a new address, but you should update TV Licensing as soon as you move. If your Pension Credit or blind registration status changes, notify TV Licensing to avoid compliance issues. Watching or recording live TV or using BBC iPlayer without a valid licence can lead to a fine of up to £1,000 (higher in Guernsey), plus costs.
FAQs
Q1. Is everyone aged 75+ entitled to a free TV licence?
No. It is only free if you (or your partner at the same address) receive Pension Credit. The age condition alone does not qualify.
Q2. I’m registered blind. How much will I pay?
You are eligible for a 50% discount on the standard fee. The discount applies to the household if the licence is in the blind person’s name. Proof of registration is required.
Q3. I live in a care home. Do I need my own licence?
Many residents in eligible settings can be covered via an ARC concessionary licence, usually £7.50 per room/flat. Ask your accommodation manager to apply or confirm coverage.
Q4. Can I transfer my free/discounted licence if I move?
Yes—update your address with TV Licensing. If your Pension Credit or eligibility changes, you must also update TV Licensing and pay if you no longer qualify.
Q5. What happens if I watch TV without a licence?
You can be fined up to £1,000 (more in Guernsey), plus possible costs/compensation. Enforcement is handled by TV Licensing under UK law.
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