Free TV Licence Over 75 UK 2026: Who Qualifies & How to Apply

What Changed in UK TV Licence Rules?

Find YOUR ideal care home NOW!

Until August 2020, all households with someone aged 75 or over were entitled to a free TV licence.

However, under the new system:

1. Free TV licences are no longer universal for over-75s.
2. A free licence is only available if someone in the household receives Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit).

This means older adults who are eligible but not currently claiming Pension Credit may be missing out, both on the TV licence discount and additional financial support.

For families navigating the full cost of care home fees alongside these day-to-day expenses, our guide on nursing home costs in the UK covers the complete funding picture.

Who Qualifies for a Free TV Licence Now?

To receive a free TV licence, you must:

1. Be 75 or older, and
2. Live in a household where at least one person receives Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit).

If you are unsure whether you are eligible for Pension Credit, you can request a free benefits assessment, many individuals who qualify are not claiming it.

What if your parent is eligible for Pension Credit but not currently claiming it?

An estimated 850,000 pensioners in the UK are entitled to Pension Credit but are not claiming it — meaning they are also missing the free TV licence, Council Tax reduction, and other linked benefits.

Pension Credit is not just for those with very low incomes. You may qualify even if you have modest savings. The Guarantee Credit threshold for 2025–26 is:

• Single pensioner: £218.15 per week — if your income is below this, you may qualify
• Couple: £332.95 per week

Savings and property are assessed separately under a capital test, but having savings does not automatically disqualify you. Many pensioners with savings of £10,000–£15,000 still qualify for at least some Pension Credit.

How to check eligibility quickly

1. Use the Pension Credit calculator at gov.uk/pension-credit — it takes under 5 minutes and shows an estimate immediately
2. Call the Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234 (free call, Monday to Friday 8am–6pm)
3. Ask Age UK or Citizens Advice to do a benefits check — they can identify all linked entitlements at the same time

TV licence rules for care home and hospital residents

The rules for care home residents are different from those for people living at home:

In residential and nursing care homes

A single TV licence covers the entire care home building, but this only applies to communal TVs in shared areas. If a resident has a television in their own room, the care home needs a TV licence that covers individual rooms, this is a separate licence arrangement called a TV Licensing Residential Care Scheme.

Under this scheme, care homes pay a reduced annual fee to cover all residents' rooms. If the care home participates in the scheme, residents do not need to pay individually, the home covers it as part of fees.

Families should ask the care home:

1. "Does your TV licence cover individual residents' rooms?"
2. "Do residents need to hold their own licence for their in-room TV?"

If a resident keeps their home empty while in a care home

If no one is living at or using the TV/iPlayer at the original home, no TV licence is needed there. If a family member uses the property and watches live TV, a licence is required. A licence can be cancelled if the property is genuinely unoccupied, contact TV Licensing directly.

For the latest Pension Credit rates and a full explanation of eligibility, see our guide on Pension Credit news and rates 2026. Claiming Pension Credit also triggers a full Council Tax reduction in most areas, see our guide on Council Tax discounts for pensioners for the full picture.

TV Licence Options for Seniors

How to Apply for a Free TV Licence (Step-by-Step)

1. Check Pension Credit Status
   Ensure you receive Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit). If not currently claimed, consider applying, you may be eligible even if you have savings.

2. Gather Necessary Documents

   • - National Insurance number

   • - Proof of Pension Credit (award letter)

3. Apply Online or by Phone
   Applications can be made through TV Licensing.

4. Receive Confirmation
   Once approved, your licence will be issued or updated accordingly.

If you later stop receiving Pension Credit, you must inform TV Licensing.

Applying for Pension Credit (If Not Already Receiving It)

Many older adults qualify but do not claim Pension Credit due to misunderstanding eligibility.
If you are unsure, it is worthwhile to check.

Applying may also unlock:

- Council tax reductions
- Housing benefit support
- Winter heating payments
- Free TV licence eligibility

FAQ – Optimised for Search

Do all over 75s still get a free TV licence?

No. Only those receiving Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit) qualify under current rules.

Does age 70 give any TV licence discount?

No. Discounts and free licences apply from age 75 and only with qualifying benefits.

Can I apply on behalf of a parent?

Yes. Family members can apply with consent and necessary documentation.

Is watching BBC iPlayer without a licence allowed?

No. A TV licence is required to use BBC iPlayer, even if you do not watch live broadcasts.

What is the TV licence fee in 2026?

The standard TV licence fee is £174.50 per year in 2026. A 50% discount applies for those who are registered as severely sight impaired, reducing the cost to £87.25 per year.

Do I need a TV licence if I only use streaming services like Netflix or Amazon Prime?

No, if you only watch streaming services and never watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer, you do not need a TV licence. This applies regardless of age. However, if you watch anything on BBC iPlayer, including catch-up programmes, a licence is required even without live TV viewing.

Can a TV licence be backdated or refunded if I paid but qualified for a free one?

Yes. If you were eligible for a free TV licence (because you receive Pension Credit) but paid for one, you can claim a refund for any full months remaining on your current licence. Contact TV Licensing at tvlicensing.co.uk/contact or call 0300 790 6165 to request a refund.

What happens if an elderly person living alone goes into hospital for an extended period?

If the property is empty and no one is using it to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, the TV licence can be cancelled and a partial refund claimed for unused months. Contact TV Licensing to cancel and request a refund for complete months remaining.

Share this article :