Eligible state pensioners aged 75 and over can now reduce their BBC television licence bill to zero, a vital saving ahead of an anticipated fee increase in April 2026. The key to unlocking this benefit is receiving Pension Credit.
Who Qualifies for a Free TV Licence?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirms that if you are 75 or older and receive Pension Credit, you are entitled to a free TV licence. This also applies if you live with a partner who is in receipt of Pension Credit. The free licence covers every resident at the address.
Prospective applicants can begin the process from the age of 74 if they already get Pension Credit. It is important to note that you must continue to pay for your licence until the final day of the month preceding your 75th birthday, after which the free coverage begins.
Other Available Discounts and Concessions
Beyond the free licence for over-75s on Pension Credit, other significant discounts are available. Individuals who are registered as blind, or who live with someone who is, can apply for a 50% reduction on the licence fee. The licence must be registered in the blind person's name for the discount to apply.
Furthermore, a heavily discounted TV licence costing just £7.50 per year is offered to eligible residents of care homes, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation. To qualify, residents must be either retired and over 60 or disabled. Applications for this concession are typically handled by the housing manager.
Act Now Before the April Price Rise
Taking prompt action is advisable, as the standard TV licence fee is projected to rise in April 2026. The increase, linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate from September 2025, is expected to add approximately £6 to £7 to the current annual cost of £174.50, pushing it to around £181 or more.
This continues the government's policy of annual inflationary increases until 2027. The DWP states that a claim for Pension Credit typically takes around 16 minutes to complete, which is the first step for many towards securing the free licence and shielding themselves from the upcoming hike.
The licence fee is mandatory for any household watching or recording live television broadcasts on any channel, or using BBC iPlayer to stream content. The anticipated rise has reignited debates, with some campaigners calling for the abolition of the compulsory fee altogether.
