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Free TV Licence (75+ on Pension Credit)

A free TV Licence for households where someone aged 75 or over receives Pension Credit. Worth £174.50 per year (April 2026). Apply via TV Licensing — not automatic, even if you're already on Pension Credit.

Official linksLast verified 29 April 2026

Who it helps

Households with at least one person aged 75 or over who receives Pension Credit. The qualifying person doesn't need to be the licence holder, but they need to live at the address.

The full picture

A free TV Licence is available to households where at least one person: - Is aged 75 or over, AND - Receives Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit and / or Savings Credit)

The scheme has been means-tested via Pension Credit since June 2020. Before then it was universal for over-75s.

The licence is worth £174.50/year (April 2026 rate) and covers: - Live TV on any channel (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, etc.) - Live streaming services (Sky Go, ITVX live, Channel 4 live) - BBC iPlayer (live or on-demand)

It does not cover Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime or other on-demand-only services that don't require a TV Licence.

The licence covers the whole household, not just the named person — anyone living at the address can watch covered content. If the qualifying person moves, the licence stays with the address as long as someone in the new household qualifies.

You must apply — TV Licensing doesn't automatically know about your Pension Credit status. Once awarded the licence is renewed automatically each year as long as the Pension Credit award continues.

Worth knowing before you apply

  • Worth £174.50 per year (April 2026 rate) — automatic renewal once awarded
  • You must apply — TV Licensing doesn't check your Pension Credit status automatically
  • Means-tested via Pension Credit since June 2020 — before that, universal for over-75s
  • The qualifying person can be any household member aged 75+ on Pension Credit, not just the licence holder
  • If you're close to State Pension age, claim Pension Credit as soon as you turn 75 to also unlock the free TV Licence
  • Covers BBC iPlayer (live and on-demand) plus all live TV; doesn't cover Netflix / Disney+ etc
  • Stops if the qualifying person no longer receives Pension Credit — TV Licensing will write to confirm
  • Households where everyone is registered blind get a 50% discount on a standard TV Licence (separate scheme)

How to claim

Apply on the TV Licensing website at tvlicensing.co.uk/over75 or call 0300 790 6071. You'll need the qualifying person's name, date of birth, address and a copy of their Pension Credit award letter. Decisions usually take 1–2 weeks; the free licence starts on the next due date.

Apply for free TV Licence (TV Licensing)

Independent advice

More help is out there

If your situation is complex, these UK-wide charities and government services can give free, independent advice.

Last verified 29 April 2026
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