Certain people in the UK are eligible for a free or reduced-cost licence
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
05:00, 08 Mar 2026
Some groups of people are exempt from paying for a TV licence or can get a discount(Image: Getty)
Certain groups in the UK qualify for a free or discounted BBC TV Licence, while others aren’t required to purchase one whatsoever. The current charge is £174.50, although this is due to increase to £180 from April.
The licence fee has been a fixture for millions of British households since it was first introduced in 1946. At that time, the BBC was the only broadcaster in the UK, with the licence costing just £2 – approximately £105 in today’s money.
Despite significant transformations in how we consume television, including the emergence of numerous channels, streaming platforms and on-demand services, this annual charge remains. From April 1, 2025, the cost was fixed at £174.50, having risen from £169.50.
The charge applies to any household that:
Watches or records live programmes as they’re being transmitted on any television channelStreams live content on any internet-based TV service – such as Channel 4, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video
A licence is equally required if you stream or download any BBC programmes via BBC iPlayer. That said, there are specific circumstances where obtaining a licence isn’t necessary.
Students
According to GOV.UK, students who reside at a different address outside of term time, which is already covered by a licence, are exempt. They can utilise that existing TV licence whilst studying at university on any device that’s:
Battery operatedUnplugged from mains powerWithout aerial connectionPeople who only watch certain content
Furthermore, a TV licence isn’t required if you exclusively watch certain content types, excluding those previously listed. This includes streaming services such as Netflix and Disney Plus, catch-up television through platforms like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video, online video content including YouTube, and DVDs.
Living in shared accommodation
Should you share accommodation where a licence is already held, purchasing your own becomes unnecessary. One TV licence sufficiently covers an entire household, provided viewing occurs in shared spaces or under a joint tenancy arrangement.
If you’re 75 or over
The Government website explains that you can get a free TV licence if you’re 75 or older and you either:
Get Pension CreditLive with your partner who gets Pension Credit
You can apply when you’re 74 if you already get Pension Credit. You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. After that you’ll be covered by your free licence.
You can apply for a free licence online here. You can also apply by phone at 0300 790 6071.
If you’re in residential care or sheltered accommodation
This allows you to apply for a discount. You can get a TV licence for £7.50 if you live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation.
To qualify, you must also be either:
Retired and over 60Disabled
Your housing manager can check if you can get it and will apply for you.
If you’re registered blind
You can get a 50 per cent discount if you’re registered blind, severely sight-impaired, or live with someone who is. The licence must be in the blind person’s name – if it’s not, you can make a new application to transfer it into their name.
You’ll need to provide your existing TV licence number when you apply. You can apply online here.