![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0_GettyImages-124206537.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCertain people in the UK are eligible for a free or reduced-cost licence<\/p>\n
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer<\/p>\n
05:00, 08 Mar 2026<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Some groups of people are exempt from paying for a TV licence or can get a discount(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
Certain groups in the UK qualify for a free or discounted BBC<\/a> TV Licence, while others aren’t required to purchase one whatsoever. The current charge is \u00a3174.50, although this is due to increase to \u00a3180 from April.<\/p>\n 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 \u00a32 – approximately \u00a3105 in today’s money.<\/p>\n 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 \u00a3174.50, having risen from \u00a3169.50.<\/p>\n The charge applies to any household that:<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Students<\/p>\n According to GOV.UK<\/a>, 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:<\/p>\n Battery operatedUnplugged from mains powerWithout aerial connectionPeople who only watch certain content<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Living in shared accommodation<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re 75 or over<\/p>\n The Government website explains that you can get a free TV licence if you\u2019re 75 or older and you either:<\/p>\n Get Pension CreditLive with your partner who gets Pension Credit<\/p>\n You can apply when you\u2019re 74 if you already get Pension Credit. You\u2019ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. After that you\u2019ll be covered by your free licence.<\/p>\n