If you’re 75 or over and receive Pension Credit, you’re entitled to a free TV licence worth £180/year. Here’s how to claim it.
For the wider Pension Credit picture, including eligibility, savings and linked support, use the main Pension Credit hub.
Eligibility
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be 75 or over |
| Pension Credit | Must receive any amount of Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit) |
| Residency | Must live in the UK |
| One per household | The free licence covers the whole household |
Who Qualifies
| Situation | Free Licence? |
|---|---|
| Aged 75+, on Pension Credit | Yes |
| Aged 75+, not on Pension Credit | No — full price (£180) |
| Under 75, on Pension Credit | No |
| Aged 75+, partner on Pension Credit (couple claim) | Yes — both qualify under the couple claim |
| Living in an eligible residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation, and retired and over 60 or disabled | Reduced rate of £7.50 |
How Much You Save
| TV Licence Type | Annual Cost | With PC (75+) |
|---|---|---|
| Colour TV licence | £180 | Free |
| Black and white TV licence | £60.50 | Free |
| Care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation licence (if eligible) | £7.50 | Free |
How to Apply
By Phone
- Number: 0300 790 6117
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6:30pm
- What you need: Have your licence details to hand; TV Licensing checks your Pension Credit with DWP as part of the application
Online
- Visit tvlicensing.co.uk
- Go to the free TV licence page and apply online (you can still apply online if you do not have a current licence or cannot sign in)
- TV Licensing checks with DWP that you receive Pension Credit
Timing
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Already 75+ and just claimed Pension Credit | Apply online or by phone |
| Turning 75 soon | If you already receive Pension Credit, you can apply from age 74 |
| Already paid for this year | You may be eligible for a refund for any remaining months, processed as part of your application |
| Licence in your partner’s name | Either of you can apply if you qualify |
Refunds
If you’ve already paid for a full-year licence and then qualify for a free one:
- TV Licensing says you may be eligible for a refund for any remaining months on your current licence
- It processes the refund as part of your free licence application
If You Don’t Qualify
If you’re 75+ but not on Pension Credit:
- Check if you could claim Pension Credit — Many eligible pensioners don’t claim. Even a small Pension Credit award gives you a free licence
- The “near miss” check — If your income is just above the Pension Credit threshold, check for deductions that could bring it below (mortgage interest, disability costs)
- Payment plans — TV Licensing offers monthly payment plans for those who must pay
Worth Claiming Pension Credit?
| Value | Annual |
|---|---|
| Free TV licence | £180 |
| Council Tax Reduction (if qualifying) | Up to £2,100+ |
| Warm Home Discount | £150 |
| Cold Weather Payments | Variable |
| NHS benefits | Variable |
| Potential total value of PC passport | £2,500-£5,000+ |
Even a £1/week Pension Credit entitlement unlocks all of these passport benefits.
Residential Care Homes
If you live in residential care:
| Licence Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Eligible residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation (retired and over 60, or disabled) | £7.50 |
| With Pension Credit, aged 75+ | Free |