Who can get a Free TV Licence in 2026?

Some households across the UK could be entitled to a free TV licence, saving £180 a year, despite the recent increase in the annual fee.

The cost of a standard colour TV licence rose to £180 on April 1, 2026, in line with inflation under the 2022 Licence Fee Settlement. A black-and-white TV licence now costs £60.50.

A TV licence is required to watch live TV channels such as BBC, ITV, Channel 4, U&Dave, and international broadcasters.

It also covers watching or recording live TV on streaming platforms like YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, as well as all BBC iPlayer content.

Those who fail to pay for a required TV licence could face enforcement action, including a visit from a licensing officer.

However, some people are eligible for a free TV licence through the TV Licensing concession scheme.

The benefit is available if the licence holder is aged 75 or over and they, or their partner living at the same address, receive Pension Credit.

TV Licensing also allows people approaching their 75th birthday to apply early.

According to the guidance: “If you already receive Pension Credit, you can apply for your free licence when you are 74 years old.

“We’ll update your payments to cover you until your 75th birthday, and then you’ll be covered by your free licence. We’ll confirm this in writing.

“If you’re blind (severely sight impaired) and can provide the appropriate evidence, you’re eligible to apply for a 50% concession. Once your blind application has been accepted you can then apply for a free TV Licence.”

People who are registered blind or severely sight impaired are eligible for a 50% concession. If they also meet the free licence criteria, they can then apply for a licence at no cost.

The concession comes as questions continue over the future of the TV licence funding model.

On July 8, 2026, the BBC’s new director general, Matt Brittin, described the current licence fee system as outdated while giving evidence to MPs.

Brittin said: “We can and should be doing as much as possible on [enforcing] licence fee collection under the current model, but it’s yesterday’s model, it’s a busted flush, it’s no longer fit for purpose, and that’s why we need to make the case for the BBC and a shift of the licence fee model.”