DWP Confirms Free BBC TV Licence for State Pensioners Over 75

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that state pensioners aged 75 and over who are on a low income may be able to reduce their BBC TV Licence bill to zero by claiming Pension Credit. The warning comes after the annual licence fee rose by £5.50 on April 1, taking the standard TV Licence cost to £180 a year. A black and white TV Licence now costs £60.50 a year.

The government has also said the fee will rise again in April 2027, with future increases linked to inflation for the rest of the current Charter period, which runs until the end of 2027. The latest rise followed the 2022 Licence Fee Settlement, under which the charge increases in line with inflation.

A TV Licence is required for anyone watching or recording live television on any channel or service, including BBC iPlayer. Pension Credit is the key benefit highlighted by the DWP because it supports older pensioners on low incomes and can unlock additional help, including housing cost support, council tax help and a free TV Licence for eligible people aged 75 or over.

The benefit itself has also increased by 4.8% from April 6 and is now worth an average of about £4,300 a year. Under the new 2026/27 rates, it can top up income to £238 a week for a single claimant, or £363.25 a week for couples. The DWP says the application process typically takes around 16 minutes, and successful claimants may gain access to thousands of pounds in extra support.

If someone already receives Pension Credit, they can apply for a free TV Licence when they are 74, although they must continue paying until the end of the month before their 75th birthday. After that, the free licence covers them.

For people who do not qualify for Pension Credit, there are still other ways to lower or avoid the fee. TV Licensing says a licence can be cancelled if a household no longer watches live TV on any channel or service and does not use BBC iPlayer. This also includes not recording or downloading programmes as they are broadcast.

Reduced-rate licences are available in some circumstances. People living in residential care homes, supported housing or sheltered accommodation may qualify for a cheaper licence. Those who are blind, or severely sight impaired, may be able to apply for a 50% discount if they provide the required evidence.

Because TV licences are issued per household rather than per person, the cost can also be shared among occupants if they watch in a common area under a joint arrangement. However, separate tenancies and separate viewing in private rooms may require separate licences.

Streaming services such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube do not require a TV Licence on their own, provided the viewer is not watching live television or BBC iPlayer. Anyone watching live TV without a licence can face a fine of up to £1,000.