Thousands of households could avoid paying for their TV Licence even as the BBC prepares to introduce another price rise that will take the annual cost above £181.
The increase, which would be the first time the fee has exceeded £175, comes as many viewers remain unaware that they may qualify for a full exemption.
Many pensioners and people in certain circumstances can get a TV Licence for free, while others may be entitled to a discount.
These exemptions could save eligible households the full annual cost as prices continue to rise with inflation.
The TV Licence fee is expected to rise from £174.50 to about £181, based on September’s inflation rate of 3.8 per cent.
This would mean an increase of almost £7 for households across the UK, with the final amount to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The increase forms part of an arrangement that ties licence fees to inflation rates through to spring 2028. Ministers had originally projected the charge would remain below £175 throughout the funding agreement period, but elevated inflation has accelerated the breach of this threshold by two years.
Who can get the TV licence for free?
Pensioners aged 75 or over can get a free TV Licence if they, or their partner living at the same address, receive Pension Credit.
Applications can be made from the age of 74, and payments will be adjusted automatically to cover the period until the applicant turns 75.
The application process includes a check with the Department for Work and Pensions, so it is important that the licence holder’s details match government records.
You’ll need to be covered by a TV licence to watch anything on BBC iPlayer
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PRESS ASSOCIATIONTo check eligibility for Pension Credit, residents can contact the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 99 1234.
Pension Credit provides extra money to people over State Pension age and on a low income, and is worth more than £3,900 per year on average, according to the Government.
The benefit tops up weekly income to £227.10 for single people, or joint weekly income to £346.60 for those in a couple , but it also unlocks access to other financial support too – including a free TV Licence.
Those who already have a TV Licence can apply for the benefit online, while people without an existing licence can also apply if they meet the criteria.
Successful applicants will receive written confirmation, and any unused months on a paid licence will be refunded.
Who can get the TV licence at a discount?
People who are blind or severely sight impaired can receive a 50 per cent discount on their TV Licence if they provide the required proof. This discount can also be combined with a free licence for qualifying pensioners.
People living in care homes, supported housing or sheltered accommodation may be eligible for a reduced-rate TV Licence.
These discounts take into account the shared viewing arrangements that are common in communal living settings.
Those living in Northern Ireland can call 0808 100 6165 for help with their application.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has indicated the BBC’s funding structure will undergo changes once the existing arrangement concludes.
“She has proposed incorporating additional income streams alongside the licence fee, potentially including expanded advertising or subscription charges for specific services.”
A Department of Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson stated: “No final decision has yet been made on the exact level of next year’s licence fee. We will set this out in due course.”
The fee increases arrive as 300,000 households abandoned their television licences last year, opting instead for streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.