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If you only use your TV for watching four types of films or shows you could get a refund on your licence(Image: Getty)<\/p>\nThe BBC TV licence is an annual fee – but not everyone needs to pay for it<\/p>\n
06:02, 26 Oct 2025Updated 07:16, 26 Oct 2025<\/p>\n
If you only use your TV for watching four types of films or shows you could get a refund on your licence(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
Brits who only use their TV to watch four types of entertainment could be eligible for a refund worth \u00a3174.50. If you no longer require a TV Licence from the BBC<\/a>, you can ask your money back<\/a> – providing there is at least one full month left on it.<\/p>\n The TV Licence fee has been a standard expense for many people in the UK since its inception in 1946. Back then, the BBC was the sole broadcaster in the country, and the licence cost \u00a32 – equivalent to approximately \u00a3105 today.<\/p>\n Despite significant changes in how we consume television, including the advent of numerous channels, streaming and on-demand platforms, this annual bill remains. Following a price increase last year, it now costs \u00a3174.50<\/a>.<\/p>\n Even if you don’t tune into any BBC channels, many households still require a licence. For example, it’s necessary to:<\/p>\n Watch or record programmes as they’re being broadcast live on any TV channelWatch live programmes on any online TV service – such as Channel 4, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video<\/p>\n It’s also required to download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer<\/a>. However, there are four lesser-known circumstances where you can use your TV without needing to pay for a licence.<\/p>\n According to the Government website<\/a>, you do not need a TV Licence if you only watch:<\/p>\n Streaming services like Netflix and Disney PlusOn-demand TV via services like All 4 and Amazon Prime VideoVideos on websites like YouTubeVideos or DVDs<\/p>\n If these are the only things you use your television for, you do not need to pay for a licence. However, if this applies to you and you\u2019ve already paid you could be able to get some money back.<\/p>\n The TV licensing website<\/a> explains: “You can apply for a refund if you won’t need your licence again before it expires, and you have at least one complete month left on it.\u201d You can apply for a TV Licence refund up to 14 days before the date you no longer need it.<\/p>\n Certain people are also exempt from paying for a TV licence or qualify for a discounted rate and can therefore apply for a refund.<\/p>\n “If you’re eligible for an over 75 or blind concession, you can apply for a refund at any time and for any length of time left on your licence,\u201d the TV licensing website adds.<\/p>\n If you’re aged 75 or over<\/p>\n The Government website states that you can obtain a free TV Licence if you’re 75 or older and you either:<\/p>\n Receive Pension CreditLive with a partner who receives Pension Credit<\/p>\n If you’re currently receiving Pension Credit, you can apply for a free TV licence when you reach the age of 74. However, you’ll need to continue paying for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday.<\/p>\n From then on, your free licence will cover you. You can submit an application for a free licence online here<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation t his entitles you to apply for a discount. If you live in a qualifying residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation, you can obtain a TV Licence for \u00a37.50.<\/p>\n To be eligible, you must also be either:<\/p>\n Retired and over 60Or disabled<\/p>\n Your housing manager can verify your eligibility and apply on your behalf.<\/p>\n Registered as blind<\/p>\n If you’re registered as blind, or severely sight impaired, or live with someone who is, you can receive a 50 percent discount. The licence must be registered in the name of the blind person – if it’s not, a new application can be made to transfer it into their name.<\/p>\n![\"DVD](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_GettyImages-1357217258.jpg\")
If you only watch DVDs you do not need a licence(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n![\"TV](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/0_GettyImages-2158611021.jpg\")
Failing to pay for a TV licence when you need one can result in a fine of \u00a31,000(Image: Getty)Residential care or sheltered accommodation<\/p>\n