Certain state pensioners in the UK can reduce their TV Licence bill to zero in under 20 minutes by claiming Pension Credit. The annual TV Licence fee increased by £5.50 to £180 from April 1, 2026, with further rises expected in April 2027 in line with inflation.
How to Get a Free TV Licence
If you are aged 75 or over and receive Pension Credit, you can apply for a free TV Licence. Pension Credit tops up weekly income to £238 for singles or £363.25 for couples. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) states that the average claim takes just 16 minutes online or by phone.
You must continue paying for your licence until the month before your 75th birthday; after that, the free licence covers you.
Other Ways to Reduce or Avoid the Fee
If you do not qualify for Pension Credit, you can cancel your licence if you no longer watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer. You may also get a 50% discount if you are blind or severely sight impaired, or a reduced fee if you live in residential care.
Households can share one licence if they live together and watch TV in a shared area. Streaming on-demand services like Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube does not require a licence, but watching live TV without one can result in a fine of up to £1,000.
