It is important to know the rules concerning free TV licences for pensioners have evolved recently, and changes have been made to who is eligible to receive these concessions.
Who Is Eligible for A Free TV Licence?
Only pensioners who are 75 years and above are eligible to apply for a free TV licence if they, or their partner residing in the same household, qualifies for Pension Credit. This means turning 75 is no longer sufficient to qualify for a free licence. Rather, qualification is a function of means testing and is limited to individuals of the specified age who are granted the Pension Credit. The licence applies to all individuals residing at the address and can be obtained through an online or telephonic application. Individuals in receipt of Pension Credit are eligible to apply a year in advance of their 75th birthday, thereby ensuring the licence is available the moment they turn 75.
What Happened to the Universal Free Licence for Over-75s?
The UK government provided fully funded free TV licenses for households with an individual aged 75 and above from the year 2000 to 2020. This policy changed in August 2020 when the government stopped funding free TV licenses and the BBC was put in charge of administering the concession, but only for those receiving Pension Credit. This change means many over-75s are now required to pay the license fee unless they fall under the means-tested criteria. While public consultations preceded the change, many asserted free licenses for all over 75s, ultimately the decision was made based on budget constraints.
Other Concessions and Discounts Available
Other than the over-75s means-tested free license, other forms of discounts are also available. Moreover, retired persons over the age of 60 who are disabled, or those residing in eligible sheltered or residential care facilities, are eligible for a TV license at a significantly reduced price. These concessions are put in place to aid vulnerable groups who may face challenges with the standard price of a license.
Staying Up to Date with Increases to the Licence Fee
The price of a standard colour TV licence is set to increase to £174.50 by April 2025. Those pensioners who do not qualify for the free licence should stay updated to these changes. For those who struggle to pay the financial strain of these increases, the government does offer payment plans such as the Simple Payment Plan, which spreads costs to be paid fortnightly or monthly, easing financial strain.
Recent Developments and Campaigns
Debate continues around proposals to issue TV licenses for free to all pensioners, irrespective of their financial situation. Petitions for universal free licenses for all pensioners have assembled a large following, arguing that after decades of contributing to society, pensioners are entitled to such a benefit.