TV Licence Refund Rules: How to Claim £174.50 and Understand the 14-Day Rule
Official guidance has clarified the rules for TV Licence refunds, explaining how households can potentially reclaim up to £174.50 under specific circumstances. The regulations vary depending on individual situations, with particular provisions for those receiving blind person concessions.
Eligibility Criteria for Refunds
According to TV Licensing authorities, you may generally apply for a refund if you will not require your licence again before its expiration date and there is at least one complete month remaining on the licence. The guidance explicitly states: "You can apply for a refund if you won’t need your licence again before it expires, and you have at least one complete month left on it."
For individuals eligible for blind concessions, the rules are more flexible. They can apply for a refund at any time and for any duration remaining on their licence. The official documentation notes: "If you’re eligible for a blind concession, you can apply for a refund at any time and for any length of time left on your licence."
The 14-Day Application Window
A critical aspect of the refund process is the timing of applications. You can submit a refund request up to 14 days before the date you no longer need the TV Licence. This window allows for proper processing while ensuring compliance with licensing requirements.
Recent Fee Increases and Future Changes
The standard TV Licence fee increased by 2.9% from April 1, 2025, aligning with annual CPI inflation rates. This adjustment resulted in a daily rise of just over 1p, marking the second fee increase since April 1, 2021.
Looking ahead, another increase is scheduled for April 1, 2026. This will raise the cost of standard-coloured TV Licences from £174.50 per year to £180, equivalent to an additional 46p monthly. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport explained this decision, stating: "The increase in the cost of the TV licence will help keep the BBC on a stable financial footing, enabling it to continue to deliver on its Mission and Public Purposes."
The department emphasized the BBC's widespread usage, with 94% of UK adults accessing its services monthly last year, and reaffirmed government commitment to a sustainable funding model. They added: "The government recognises the financial pressures on households and is committed to ensuring the BBC’s funding model is sustainable, fair and affordable."
Payment Support and Concession Options
To assist with affordability, the government continues to support the Simple Payment Plan, allowing payments to be spread through smaller instalments. Additionally, free licences remain available for individuals aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit, along with discounted fees for care home residents and blind people.
What a TV Licence Covers
Your TV Licence payment includes four primary components:
- All television channels, such as BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave, and international channels
- Pay TV services, including Sky, Virgin Media, and EE TV
- Live TV on streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video
- All content available on BBC iPlayer
This coverage extends to watching, recording, and downloading programmes on any device, ensuring comprehensive access to broadcast and streaming media across the United Kingdom.
