People of State Pension age born before a certain date can apply to have the cost of their TV License reduced to £0, but eligibility requirements apply. A standard colour TV license, which allows you or record programmes on a TV, computer or other device as they’re broadcast, as well as on-demand BBC programmes on iPlayer, currently costs £180 per year. However, it is possible to get it at reduced cost, or even avoid have to pay the fee at all if you meet certain criteria. One route is through claiming Pension Credit, if you’re at least 75 years old. That means that as of November 1, 2026, anyone born on or before November 1, 1951, and who is on Pension Credit can claim a free TV license. You can also get one if you’re 75 and over and live with a partner who gets Pension Credit, with the licence covering everyone living at your address.
The GOV.UK website explains that you “can apply when you’re 74 if you already get Pension Credit”. “You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday,” it adds. “After that you’ll be covered by your free licence.”
Pension Credit aims to top up the weekly income of people who have reached State Pension age and are on low incomes to give them a more reasonable standard of living. Pension Credit can also soften the blow of housing costs such as ground rent or service charges, by factoring your home into the benefit award calculation.
When you apply for Pension Credit the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) calculates your income, calculating couples’ income together in joint pot, the UK Government website explains. From April 6, 2026, it was upped by 4.8% to £238 if you’re single, and £363.25 for couples.
This is known as the Standard Minimum Guarantee. Incomes are calculated against these thresholds, with the DWP providing the difference if you fall below that.
However, even if your income exceeds these benchmarks, you may still be able to claim Pension Credit as part of the Guarantee Credit element of the benefit. This includes if have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or housing costs.
The Government says the benefit is worth an average of £4,300 a year, as well as unlocking further support like council tax reductions and housing support. You can find out more on the GOV.UK website.
