DWP Free TV Licence for Pensioners (2025): Save £169.50 if You Are 75+ and on Pension Credit

The UK TV licensing rules require a valid licence if you watch or record live TV on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer on any device. To reduce costs for older people on low incomes, a free TV licence is available to households where the licence holder (or their partner) is aged 75 or over and receives Pension Credit.

This is a household licence: one free licence covers everyone living at the address. If you move home, the licence needs updating to the new address.

Since 1 August 2020, the free licence has been means-tested (linked to Pension Credit) rather than automatically available to all people aged 75+. That change helps focus support on pensioners most affected by living costs.

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DWP Free TV Licence for Pensioners Quick summary

Eligibility checklist

You should qualify if all the following apply:

• Age: You are 75 or over (or your partner is), and the licence will be held in the qualifying person’s name.
• Benefit: You (or your partner) receive Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit and/or Savings Credit).
• Residence: The licence covers your main UK home.
• Verification: Your Pension Credit is confirmed by DWP, which shares data securely with TV Licensing for checks.

If you have just applied for Pension Credit, wait for the DWP decision before submitting your free-licence application; that prevents processing delays and repeat requests for evidence.

How the £169.50 saving works

A standard colour TV licence costs £169.50 per year. If your free licence is approved:

• Your licence shows a zero balance and renews automatically each year while you remain eligible (you do not pay the annual fee).
• If you already paid this year and then become eligible, TV Licensing normally issues a pro-rata refund for the unused months once DWP verification is complete.
• Over several years, the free licence can save you hundreds of pounds especially important for fixed-income households.

If your Pension Credit stops, you must tell TV Licensing so they can update your record and avoid back-billing issues.

How to apply (step-by-step)

You can apply in the way that suits you best:

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1) Apply online (fastest)

• Go to the official TV Licensing website and navigate to the page for people 75 or over.
• Have ready: your National Insurance number, Pension Credit details, and your current TV licence number if you have one.
• Submit the online form. TV Licensing will verify your Pension Credit with DWP and confirm when your free licence is activated.

2) Apply by telephone

• Call TV Licensing customer support and request the free-licence set-up for over-75s on Pension Credit.
• A representative can complete the application with you and advise on any extra information needed.

3) Apply by post

• Download or request the paper form, complete it, and include the requested Pension Credit evidence (if asked).
• Post it to the address shown on the form. Keep copies of anything you send.

Renewals: Once granted, renewals are automatic as long as your Pension Credit entitlement continues. If your circumstances change (for example, you move, your partner now receives Pension Credit instead of you, or Pension Credit ends), contact TV Licensing to update the record.

Already paying for a licence? How to switch and get a refund

If you currently pay by Direct Debit, card, or payment plan, and you now qualify:

1. Ask TV Licensing to convert your licence to the free over-75 licence (ensure it is in the name of the person receiving Pension Credit).
2. Your paid licence will be cancelled and replaced with a free licence.
3. Any unused months are normally refunded automatically to the original payment method or by cheque.

Name mismatches (for example, Pension Credit in one partner’s name and the licence in the other’s) can delay refunds and auto-renewals. TV Licensing can help align the records so the licence sits under the qualifying person’s name.

Additional concession: 50% discount for registered blind or severely sight-impaired

If you are registered blind/severely sight-impaired, you can get 50% off the TV licence (regardless of age). Key points:

• The licence must be in the name of the registered person.
• You will need to provide proof of registration (or a certificate).
• The discounted fee is £84.75 for a colour licence while this concession applies.
• If you later become eligible for the free over-75 Pension Credit licence, you can switch to the free licence.

Residents in care homes or sheltered accommodation

If you live in care accommodation, you may be covered by an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) licence, which allows residents to be licensed at a much lower shared cost instead of holding individual licences. Ask the manager or administrator which licence applies at your address.

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Licence not in the right name: The free licence must be in the name of the Pension Credit recipient. If your partner receives Pension Credit, put the licence in their name.
• Out-of-date address: If you move, update your address straight away to keep the licence valid.
• Applying before Pension Credit is confirmed: Wait for the DWP decision to avoid queries or re-applications.
• Assuming automatic entitlement at 75: Since August 2020, entitlement depends on Pension Credit, not just age.

FAQs

1) Do I qualify automatically at 75?

No. Since 1 August 2020, a free licence is only available if you or your partner receives Pension Credit and the licence is in the qualifying person’s name.

2) Which parts of Pension Credit count?

Both Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit count. If you receive either (or both), and you are 75+, you can apply.

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3) Can I get a refund if I already paid this year?

Yes. Once your free licence is approved, TV Licensing will usually issue a pro-rata refund for the remaining months.

4) What if my circumstances change?

Tell TV Licensing promptly (for example, you move, your partner becomes the Pension Credit recipient, or your Pension Credit ends) so your record and eligibility are correct.

5) Does the blind concession combine with the over-75 free licence?

If you are registered blind and under 75, you get 50% off. When you later qualify for the over-75 free licence with Pension Credit, you can switch to free.

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Bottom line

If you are 75 or over and receive Pension Credit, you should not be paying the £169.50 annual TV licence fee. Apply online (or by phone/post), make sure the licence is in the qualifying person’s name, and keep your details up to date. If you already paid, ask for a pro-rata refund. For those who are registered blind, a 50% discount is available regardless of age. Taking a few minutes to set this up can save you meaningful money every year.