Full list of people exempt from paying £169.50 BBC TV Licence
Share:
Millions of Brits are forking out £169.50 annually to watch live television - but not everyone will be aware of a list of exemptions and discounts. Around 1.5 million elderly people receiving Pension Credit could be eligible to have the cost waived entirely.
That's according to TV Licensing, which confirms anyone aged 74 and over, or a partner living at the same address in receipt of Pension Credit, could apply to get the licence for free. According to the government, despite 1.5 million Brits being entitled to the benefit, only one million are currently making use of it. To be eligible for Pension Credit, you must be retired and have a weekly income below £218.15.
Care home residents, the blind or severely sight impaired, or those who only watch black and white television are eligible for a discounted licence. Care home residents or those living in sheltered accommodation could see their TV licence slashed to £7.50. Blind people, or those with severe sight impairment can apply to have it halved, paying £84.75. Anyone still watching TV in black and white can apply for a different licence which is £57.
The only complete exemption is to tourists or people living overseas who come to the UK to visit friends or family. TV licences are obtained by households and businesses, which means visitors are free to watch what they like as long as the correct licence has been obtained.
There is no discount or financial help for anyone on benefits or Universal Credit. Anyone watching live TV will need to have a valid licence. This includes on apps such as ITVX and BBC iPlayer. The licence will cover anyone watching TV on a set, tablet or phone. If detected, anyone without a licence could be subject to a £1,000 fine and prosecution. Anyone struggling to pay can contact the TV Licensing company directly to see if there's better ways to split the cost. "With our monthly and quarterly Direct Debit schemes you can spread the cost of your licence. We’ll let you know when payments will be taken from your account," it says.
