A guide to concessions for blind people and people in care homes and how to get a refund. A TV licence is free for people 75 and over.
TV licensing Contact Details:
Website and access to most services at: https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/
Getting a TV Licence
You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, or download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer.
This could be on any device, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder. If you do any of the above without a valid licence, you risk prosecution and a maximum penalty of up to £1,000, plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay. You will also still have to buy a TV Licence if you need one.
To find out more, go to tvlicensing.co.uk/info
How can I buy a TV Licence?
There are lots of different ways to buy a TV Licence. Whether that’s through weekly cash payments, using your nearest PayPoint outlet, spreading the cost with monthly, quarterly or yearly direct debit, credit/debit card or by post – just choose the one that suits you best.
For more information on the ways to pay, go to tvlicensing.co.uk/payinfo
Could I get a concession?
Are you, or is someone you live with:
- 75 years old or older? You are eligible to apply for a free Over 75 TV Licence. Call 0300 790 6112 with your National Insurance number to hand or visit tvlicensing.co.uk/over75info
- 74 years old? You can apply for a short-term TV Licence to cover you until your 75th birthday.
Call 0300 790 6112 to find out more. - Blind and can provide the appropriate evidence? You are eligible to apply for a 50% blind concession on your TV Licence.
If you are partially sighted (sight impaired) you are not eligible. - To apply, go to tvlicensing.co.uk/blind or post a photocopy of your document of blind registration or a certificate from your ophthalmologist with your licence number, phone number and cheque payment to TV Licensing, Blind Concession Group, Darlington DL98 1TL.
What if I don’t need a licence?
If you don’t need a TV Licence, you still need to let TV Licensing know.
Care home residents
If you watch or record television programmes as they’re being shown on TV or an online TV service in your room, flat or bungalow, you’ll need to make sure you’re covered by a TV Licence. This is the case whether you use a TV, computer, mobile phone or any other device.
For more information go to https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one/for-your-home/care-home-residents-aud4
Cancellations and refunds
Find out when you should cancel or move your licence, and how to request a refund.