The cost of a TV licence saw an increase earlier this year, but you might be eligible for a refund. The annual fee now stands at £174.50, which allows you to legally watch live TV or any content on BBC iPlayer, whether it’s catch-up or live.
However, if you find that you no longer require your TV licence before its expiry date, you could be in line for a refund. This could be the case if you’re relocating to a property that already has a TV licence.
Typically, you’ll be covered if the person with a TV licence is your spouse, partner, family member, or joint tenant or mortgage holder. If you reach the age of 75 and claim Pension Credit, you’re entitled to a free TV licence, so you can request a refund for any remaining months post your 75th birthday.
If you’re moving into residential care or sheltered accommodation, you may also be eligible for a refund, as you qualify for a concessionary TV licence costing £7.50 per room, flat or bungalow. You can also cancel your TV licence if you’re emigrating.
Lastly, if you no longer watch live TV shows or use BBC iPlayer, you could get a refund on your TV licence, reports the Mirror.
You don’t need a TV licence 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 – then you won’t need a TV licence.
However, if you’re watching live shows through these services, a TV licence is still required. The amount of money you could potentially reclaim depends on the remaining duration of your current TV licence.
To apply for a refund, there must be at least one month left on your TV licence. If you find that you no longer require a TV licence, you can complete a declaration on the TV Licensing website.
Payment for a TV licence can be made monthly, quarterly or annually. If found watching TV programmes that necessitate a TV licence without having one, you could face a fine of up to £1,000 in the UK or up to £2,000 in Guernsey, in addition to any legal costs or compensation you may be ordered to pay.
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
