Friends, You may have recently seen headlines or social media posts claiming that seniors aged 60+ in the UK can now get a free TV licence for life. While that would certainly be a welcome relief for many, it’s important to understand what’s actually true and what isn’t. At the moment, free TV licences are only offered to people aged 75 or older who receive Pension Credit. However, if you’re over 60 and live in certain housing accommodations, you might qualify for a heavily discounted TV licence.
Who Actually Gets a Free TV Licence?
If you’re aged 75 or above and receiving Pension Credit, then yes—you can get a free TV licence. The licence covers your household and lets you legally watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer without paying the usual annual fee. If you’re turning 75 soon, you can apply when you’re 74, and it will kick in when you hit 75. But here’s the key: it’s not automatic you’ll need to apply.
Quick Breakdown: Who Qualifies and Who Doesn’t
- Aged 75+ and getting Pension Credit? →Free TV licence.
- Aged 74 and applying early? →Eligible to pre-register.
- Living in a care home or supported housing and over 60? →May qualify for an ARC licence.
- Receiving certain disability benefits? → Might get some concessions.
- Not receiving Pension Credit? →You’ll still need to pay the full fee.
- Just turned 60 and living independently? →Standard charges still apply.
What’s an ARC Licence and Who Gets It?
If you’re over 60 and live in a care home, sheltered accommodation, or supported housing, you may qualify for an ARC (Accommodation for Residential Care) licence. This special licence costs only £7.50 per year. That’s a big difference from the usual £159! You can’t apply for this yourself though—your housing manager needs to handle it. It’s designed to ease the financial load for seniors on fixed incomes.
What If You’re Aged 60–74?
Between the ages of 60 and 74, unless you live in a qualifying residential care setting or receive certain benefits, you’ll still need to pay the full TV licence fee. As of 2025, that’s £159 per year. Some older schemes used to offer more concessions, but most were scrapped a few years ago. Always double-check on the official TV Licensing website before assuming you’re exempt.
How to Apply for Free or Discounted TV Licence
To apply for a free licence, head to tvlicensing.co.uk and follow the instructions for applicants aged 75+. You’ll need your National Insurance number, date of birth, and proof of Pension Credit. If you live in residential care and want the ARC licence, speak to your housing manager. Applications can be completed online or through the post.
Unsure About Pension Credit? Here’s What to Do
A surprising number of pensioners miss out on Pension Credit simply because they haven’t applied. If you think you might qualify, use the gov.uk Pension Credit calculator or contact the Pension Service. Even if you qualify for just a small amount, that could unlock eligibility for a free TV licence.
Already Paid But Think You’re Eligible?
If you’ve paid your TV licence fee recently but realise you’re eligible for a free one, don’t worry you can apply for a refund. Contact TV Licensing and provide your Pension Credit proof and payment details. Refunds usually take about 3 weeks to process. Make sure you don’t delay, as there may be a time limit on claims.
Clearing Up Common Misunderstandings
Let’s bust a few myths you might have come across:
- “Everyone over 60 gets a free licence.” → False. Only 75+ with Pension Credit qualify.
- “You get it automatically at 75.” → Nope. You have to apply.
- “ARC licences are free.” → Not quite. They’re cheap but cost £7.50 per year.
Alternatives If You Can’t Afford the Licence
Good news: You only need a TV licence if you watch or record live TV or use BBC iPlayer. That means you can legally watch:
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- Disney+
- YouTube (non-live videos)
If your budget is tight, sticking to on-demand platforms can be a cost-saving alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I get a free TV licence at age 60?
No. Only those aged 75+ and on Pension Credit qualify for the free TV licence.
Q2: What does an ARC licence cost?
Just £7.50 per year if you live in qualifying residential accommodation.
Q3: Do I automatically get a free licence at 75?
No. You must apply and prove you receive Pension Credit.
Q4: Can I apply online?
Yes. Visit tvlicensing.co.uk to apply.
Q5: Do I need a licence to stream on Netflix or YouTube?
No. A licence is only needed for live TV and BBC iPlayer.
Q6: What do I need to apply?
Your National Insurance number, date of birth, and Pension Credit award letter.
Q7: What happens if I don’t pay and I should?
You could be fined up to £1,000 if you’re caught watching live TV without a licence.
Final Thoughts
While a universal free TV licence at 60 might sound ideal, it’s not currently available in the UK. That said, many over 75s—and some over 60s in residential care—can still save with available concessions. If you or a loved one qualify, applying could ease financial pressure and help you stay connected to your favourite shows.
Disclaimer : This content is intended for general guidance only. Rules and eligibility can change based on government policy. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to gov.uk or tvlicensing.co.uk.