The Shocking Truth: 5 Essential Facts About The Free TV Licence For Over-75s In 2025/2026
The landscape of the UK's free TV licence for those aged 75 and over has fundamentally changed. As of December 2025, the entitlement is no longer universal, a policy shift that has sparked significant debate and confusion across the nation. It is absolutely vital for pensioners and their families to understand the current, strict eligibility criteria to avoid an unexpected bill for the standard colour TV licence, which currently stands at £174.50 per year.
This article provides the most up-to-date, step-by-step guide on who qualifies for the concession, the critical role of Pension Credit, the application process, and what you need to know about the future cost of the licence fee in 2026.
Fact 1: The Pension Credit Requirement—The Single Most Important Eligibility Rule
The biggest change to the concession, which took effect in August 2020, is the removal of the universal free TV licence for all people aged 75 and over. This move, which transferred the funding responsibility from the Government to the BBC, dramatically altered the eligibility criteria.
- The Critical Link: To qualify for a free TV Licence today, you must be aged 75 or over and receive Pension Credit.
- Household Eligibility: If you are 75 or older, the free licence covers your entire household. Crucially, if you live with a partner who receives Pension Credit, you will still be eligible for the free licence, even if the Pension Credit is not in your name.
- The Stark Reality: This policy change reduced the number of eligible households from approximately 4.5 million to around 1.5 million, leaving millions of pensioners needing to pay the standard fee.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) strongly encourages all pensioners to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit, not just for the free TV licence, but because it acts as a gateway to other financial support and concessions, such as Cold Weather Payments and Housing Benefit.
Fact 2: How to Apply and the Crucial Role of Pension Credit
Applying for the free TV licence is a straightforward process, but it hinges entirely on your Pension Credit status. You cannot apply for the free licence without evidence of receiving this benefit.
The Application Process Explained
- Confirm Pension Credit: First, ensure you or your partner are receiving Pension Credit. This benefit is a top-up for your weekly income and is designed to help with living costs for people over State Pension age and on a low income.
- Apply to TV Licensing: You can apply for the free licence through the official TV Licensing website or by phone. You can start the application process one month before your 75th birthday.
- Verification: TV Licensing will verify your Pension Credit status with the DWP. This process is often quick and can confirm eligibility within minutes. You may need to provide your National Insurance number and date of birth.
- The Result: Once confirmed, you will be sent a free TV Licence. This licence must be renewed annually, but the Pension Credit status is continuously checked.
For those who are 75 or over but do *not* receive Pension Credit, you must purchase a standard TV Licence. The current annual cost for a colour licence is £174.50.
Fact 3: The Rising Cost of the Standard TV Licence and Future Forecasts
The cost of the standard TV Licence is a significant factor, especially for those over 75 who no longer qualify for the free concession. The fee is subject to annual review and has seen recent increases.
What to Expect in 2026
The standard colour TV Licence currently costs £174.50. However, there are strong forecasts and speculation that the fee will rise again in 2026.
- Inflation-Linked Increase: The licence fee is typically linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate.
- 2026 Projections: Several financial reports suggest the annual cost could increase to approximately £180 or potentially even £182 next year, placing an added financial strain on pensioners who must pay.
- Government Review: The UK Government is currently undertaking a major review of the BBC’s funding model, which could lead to further changes to the licence fee structure in the coming years.
For those who need to pay, TV Licensing offers various payment plans, including monthly Direct Debit options, to help spread the cost throughout the year.
Fact 4: The Historical Context and What 'Paid for by the BBC' Means
Understanding the history of the concession helps clarify the current situation. For many years, the free TV licence for over-75s was a government-funded welfare benefit. This changed following a 2015 agreement.
The BBC took over the responsibility for funding the concession in 2018, leading to the decision to restrict eligibility to those receiving Pension Credit from 2020 onwards. The BBC argues that providing a universal free licence would have cost them over £700 million a year, which would have severely impacted its core services.
This decision was highly controversial and prompted campaigns from charities like Age UK and Independent Age, who argued that the TV licence is a vital lifeline against loneliness for many older people.
Fact 5: Other Concessions and Discounts Available
While the over-75 concession is now restricted, there are other TV Licence discounts and exemptions that certain groups may be eligible for:
- Blind or Severely Sight Impaired: Individuals who are certified as blind (severely sight impaired) can claim a 50% discount on the TV Licence fee.
- Residential Care: People living in residential care homes or sheltered housing schemes may be eligible for a discounted 'Accommodation for Residential Care' (ARC) licence, which costs just £7.50.
- No TV/Live Streaming: You do not need a TV Licence if you only watch on-demand services like Netflix, Disney+, or catch-up services (unless you watch BBC iPlayer, which requires a licence).
The key takeaway for any person aged 75 or over in late 2025 is to immediately check their eligibility for Pension Credit. If you are entitled to it, the application takes just minutes and can unlock a free TV licence worth £174.50 (and likely more in 2026), alongside other vital DWP benefits.
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