Certain groups of people might be eligible for a TV licence refund, as the cost has now risen to £174.50. A TV licence is required to watch or record live TV, or to view any content – whether it’s live or catch-up – on BBC iPlayer. This applies even if you’re viewing on a laptop, computer, tablet or mobile phone.
However, if your licence becomes unnecessary before its expiry date, you could be entitled to a refund provided there’s at least one month left on it. A TV licence isn’t needed if you only watch shows on catch-up using streaming services other than BBC iPlayer.
This includes platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5 – in these cases, a TV licence isn’t necessary. However, if you’re watching live shows through these services, a TV licence would be required.
Refunds can also be claimed if you’re eligible for an over 75 or blind concession. A comprehensive list of circumstances where you could be entitled to money back can be found below.
If you’re caught watching TV programmes that require a TV licence without having one, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. In Guernsey, the maximum fine is £2,000, plus any legal costs or compensation you may be ordered to pay.
If you don’t need a TV licence, you can complete a declaration on the TV Licensing website. The TV licence fee can be paid monthly, quarterly or yearly, reports the Mirror.
Who can cancel their TV licence?
- You won’t need your licence again before it expires and you have one month or more left on it
- You no longer watch live on all TV channels, watch live TV on streaming services, or use BBC iPlayer
- You’re moving to an address that already has a TV Licence
- You have two licences for the same address
- The licence holder has died
- You’re living with someone aged 75 or over who is eligible for a free TV Licence
- You’re moving into a care home;
- You’re moving abroad
Are you eligible for a free or discounted TV licence?
There are some specific groups of people who can get a free, or cheap, TV licence. Check below to see if you fall into one of these categories.
- Over-75 and claiming Pension Credit: People aged over 75 who are claiming Pension Credit can get a free TV licence.
- Students living away from home: Students who are living away from home may also be covered if their parents have a TV licence, but only if they’re watching TV on a device that isn’t plugged into the mains, such as a phone, tablet or laptop.
- People who are blind or severely sight-impaired: If someone in your household is blind or severely sight-impaired, you’ll get 50% off the cost of your TV licence.
- Residential care or sheltered accommodation: If you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, you may be able to apply for a concessionary TV licence which costs £7.50 per room, flat or bungalow.
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