State pensioners who are certified blind or severely sight impaired can claim a 50% discount on their TV Licence under BBC rules, a policy that remains unchanged under Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. The discount applies regardless of age, but the licence must be in the name of the person with the visual impairment.
TV Licensing confirmed the concession pricing: a blind concession TV Licence costs £90 for colour and £30.25 for a black and white TV Licence. This represents half the standard cost, offering significant savings for eligible households.
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One of Mr Burnham's first moves as Labour Party Prime Minister was to reappoint Ms Nandy as Culture Secretary. Under his premiership, TV Licensing rules are forecast to stay the same, meaning the blind concession policy continues unchanged.
TV Licensing stated: "If you or someone you live with is blind (severely sight impaired), regardless of their age, you can apply for a blind concession." This means state pensioners with either condition can benefit, as long as they meet the certification requirements.
Required Documents for the 50% Discount
Applicants must provide one of the following documents to confirm they are certified as blind (severely sight impaired):
- CVI (Certificate of Visual Impairment)
- BD8 Certificate
- A certificate or document issued by a Local Authority showing registration as blind (severely sight impaired)
- A copy of a certificate from an Ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) stating that you are blind (severely sight impaired)
- Tax coding notice from HMRC showing you receive Blind person's allowance
- A copy of your National Registration Card signed by an Ophthalmologist stating that you are blind (severely sight impaired)
- DHSS documentation or certificate stating that you are blind (severely sight impaired) for Isle of Man residents only
- Health and Social Services documentation or letter from Optometrist for residents of Northern Ireland only
For those who live with someone else, the licence must be in the name of the blind person to receive the discount. TV Licensing explained: "If you already have a TV Licence, but it isn't in the name of the person who is blind, you'll need to transfer the licence into their name."
Application Process and Eligibility
Transferring the licence can be done by making a first time blind application. TV Licensing added: "You'll just need to enter the existing TV Licence number for your address when you apply."
It is important to note that people who are partially sighted (sight impaired) do not qualify for the 50% blind concession. Only those certified as blind or severely sight impaired are eligible under the current rules.
