TV Licensing has confirmed a full list of health conditions that entitle households to a 50 per cent reduction on their TV Licence fee. The concession applies primarily to individuals who are blind or severely sight impaired, with specific documentation required to prove eligibility.
Free TV Licence for Over-75s on Pension Credit
You can obtain a free TV Licence if you are 75 years or older and you or your partner living at the same address receives Pension Credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). This is a separate scheme from the 50 per cent blind concession.
Blind Concession: 50% Discount
If you are blind or severely sight impaired, you can apply for a 50 per cent concession on your TV Licence fee. This applies regardless of your age. TV Licensing requires appropriate evidence to verify your condition.
According to TV Licensing: "If you or someone you live with is blind (severely sight impaired), regardless of their age, you can apply for a blind concession."
People who are partially sighted (sight impaired) do not qualify for the 50 per cent blind concession.
Required Documentation for Blind Concession
TV Licensing requires one of the following documents to prove eligibility:
- A CVI (Certificate of Visual Impairment) confirming you are certified as blind (severely sight impaired)
- A BD8 Certificate confirming you are certified as blind (severely sight impaired)
- A certificate or document issued by a Local Authority showing you are registered as blind (severely sight impaired)
- A copy of a certificate from an Ophthalmologist (eye surgeon) stating you are blind (severely sight impaired)
- A tax coding notice from HMRC showing you receive Blind Person’s Allowance
- A copy of your National Registration Card signed by an Ophthalmologist stating you are blind (severely sight impaired) — for Isle of Man residents only
- DHSS documentation or certificate stating you are blind (severely sight impaired) — for Isle of Man residents only
- Health and Social Services documentation or a letter from an Optometrist — for residents of Northern Ireland only
Reduced Fee for Care Home Residents
If you live in a residential care home, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation, you may also be entitled to a reduced fee TV Licence. This concession is separate from the blind discount and requires different eligibility criteria.
