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A TV LICENCE RULE MEANS UK HOUSEHOLDS COULD SLASH THEIR ANNUAL BILL FROM £174.50 TO ZERO - AND THOUSANDS COULD BENEFIT FROM THE DISCOUNT AMID THE CURRENT COST OF LIVING CRISIS NICOLA CROAL
SEO Writer and ROM PRESTON-ELLIS Assistant News Editor 15:32, 28 May 2025 A lesser-known TV Licence rule that could save 475,000 individuals £174.50 each year has been highlighted. Some UK
households can reduce their BBC TV Licence fee from £174.50 to zero, offering a significant saving amid the ongoing cost of living crisis. The fee applies to any household that watches or
records programmes as they're being broadcast live on any TV channel or views live programmes on any online TV service such as Channel 4, YouTube or Amazon Prime Video. To qualify, you
must be aged 75 or over and receiving pension credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), potentially saving you £174.50 annually. According to Policy in Practice, there are
currently 425,000 eligible individuals over the age of 75 who qualify for pension credit based on their income but have not yet applied. The free TV licence scheme for those aged 75 or over
was altered in August 2020. You can apply for a free TV licence if you're over this age and either you or your partner living at the same address is receiving Pension Credit. This can
be Savings Credit or Guarantee Pension Credit. The TV licence needs to be registered under the name of the person in your household who is 75 or older and receiving Pension Credit, reports
the Mirror. UK households are being reminded that a free licence will not be automatically granted. To check if you qualify for a free TV licence, contact TV Licensing on 0300 790 6071 or
apply via this number. If you're applying online or by post, you'll need to provide two pieces of evidence that confirm you're receiving Pension Credit and are aged 75 or
over. Your passport or driving licence can usually serve as one piece of evidence. Make sure the name you use to apply for your free TV licence matches the one held by the DWP. If the
licence at your address is under someone else's name, you'll need the existing licence number when applying for your free one. A free TV licence covers everyone living in your
home, regardless of their age. If no one in your household receives Pension Credit, you'll have to pay for your TV licence. Article continues below There are other circumstances where
individuals can receive a significant discount on their TV licence. For example, if you reside in residential care or sheltered accommodation, you're entitled to a discount. If
you're living in a qualifying residential care home, sheltered accommodation or supported housing, you can get a TV Licence for just £7.50. To qualify, you must also be either retired
and over 60 or disabled. Your housing manager can verify if you're eligible and apply on your behalf. If you're registered as blind or severely sight impaired, or live with someone
who is, you can claim a 50 per cent discount. The licence must be in the name of the person who's blind. If it isn't, a new application can be submitted to transfer it into their
name.