In 2025, TV licence rules in the UK remain a hot topic for pensioners. Social media headlines recently claimed that the Government has approved a free TV licence for every pensioner, but this is not true.
The reality is more specific: only those aged 75 and above who receive Pension Credit can currently access a free TV licence. Others must still pay the standard annual fee, which rose this year.
This article breaks down the latest facts on costs, eligibility, and discounts available in 2025 so you can clearly see what’s real and what’s just rumour.
TV Licence Costs in 2025
From 1 April 2025, the TV licence fee increased. The new costs are:
- £174.50 per year for a colour licence
- £58.50 per year for a black & white licence
This increase is linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which means fees will now adjust based on inflation during the current BBC Charter period.
Who Gets a Free TV Licence in 2025?
The free TV licence is available only to:
- People aged 75 or older
- Who receive Pension Credit (either Savings Credit or Guarantee Credit)
If both partners live at the same address, one person on Pension Credit is enough to qualify the household.
Other Discounts & Concessions
The Government and BBC provide other forms of concession:
- 50% discount for people who are legally blind/severely sight-impaired. This reduces the annual cost to £87.25.
- £7.50 Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) licence for people over 60 living in eligible sheltered housing or care homes.
- Some care facilities also provide shared licence arrangements, reducing costs for residents.
Eligibility & Costs – At a Glance
| Category | Age/Condition | What You Pay (2025) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard household | Any age | £174.50 (colour) / £58.50 (B&W) | Required for all households watching live TV or BBC iPlayer |
| Over-75 on Pension Credit | 75+ with Pension Credit | £0 | Free licence granted upon application |
| Legally blind | Any age | £87.25 | Proof required; licence must be in their name |
| Residential care (ARC licence) | Over 60 in eligible housing | £7.50 | Arranged through housing provider |
How Pensioners Can Qualify
To get a free TV licence:
- Check Pension Credit eligibility – Many pensioners are missing out because they haven’t applied.
- Apply for Pension Credit – This not only unlocks a free licence but can also increase weekly income and provide help with other bills.
- Apply for the free licence at 75 – If already on Pension Credit, applications can be made at 74 so the household is covered as soon as they reach 75.
Why Many Miss Out
Research shows nearly 880,000 pensioner households could qualify for Pension Credit but have not yet applied. This means thousands are paying £174.50 unnecessarily for a TV licence.
Campaigners are urging pensioners to check eligibility and claim what they are entitled to.
Common Myths vs Reality
- Myth: All pensioners now get a free TV licence.
- Reality: Only over-75s on Pension Credit qualify.
- Myth: You don’t need a licence if you only watch live TV online.
- Reality: A licence is required for any live broadcast on any device, plus BBC iPlayer.
Looking Ahead
The future of the TV licence fee is under review, with debates about whether the current system should be replaced. For now, however, pensioners must follow the existing rules in 2025: pay the standard fee unless they qualify for the listed concessions.
The promise of a free TV licence for all pensioners is not reality in 2025. Instead, only those aged 75 and above receiving Pension Credit can access a free licence.
Others must continue paying the annual fee of £174.50. Additional support exists for blind pensioners and those in residential care homes.
For pensioners struggling with costs, the most important step is checking Pension Credit eligibility. By claiming, not only can they unlock a free TV licence, but they may also receive extra financial support from the Government.
FAQs
Is the TV licence free for all UK pensioners in 2025?
No, it is free only for pensioners aged 75+ who receive Pension Credit.
How much is the TV licence in 2025?
The fee is £174.50 for colour and £58.50 for black & white licences.
Can blind pensioners get a concession?
Yes, people who are legally blind can get a 50% discount, bringing the cost down to £87.25