People with a TV Licence could miss out on a refund if their living situation changes. In some cases, people may be missing out on up to £155.
Consumer and lifestyle expert for ITV’s This Morning, Grace Forell claims more people could be entitled to reclaim part of their TV Licence. There are specific circumstances that people must meet in order to qualify – but they actually happen quite often.
Brits need a valid TV Licence if they watch TV and stream live TV broadcasts on platforms like YouTube or Amazon Prime. People wrongly assume that the Licence is not required if you do not watch BBC programmes.
Reclaiming the maximum amount of a TV Licence could see people pocket up to £165, assuming they are registered for a standard £180 colour TV Licence. The process is open to anyone eligible.
The maximum refund possible is eleven-twelfths (11/12ths) of the total licence fee, which currently equals £155.37. Because a TV Licence refund is calculated based on complete, unused calendar months remaining on the licence, you can never get a 100% refund once the licence has started.
Grace said: “If you buy a licence and then your living circumstances change, you can apply for a refund for the unused months. Say you move into university halls and buy a licence, but then move back home nine months later, as long as your family home has a suitable licence, you can cancel yours and get money back.”
It is not just students who can benefit. People who move in with a partner, friend, or family member who holds a valid licence can request a refund for their licence before they move.
There is just one important rule that everyone seeking a refund must follow. Grace confirms refunds will only be possible if people have “at least one complete month remaining” on their licence.
You can request a TV Licence refund online via the TV Licensing Refund Form. Alternatively, call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6071.
You can apply up to 14 days before the date you no longer need the licence. If your refund is approved, your TV Licence will be cancelled automatically
For most standard refund claims, TV Licensing claims that customers can seek a refund on a licence that expired up to two years ago. The refund is still calculated in “unused complete months”.
Backdated claimers will need to provide evidence showing the exact date you no longer required the licence, such as a tenancy agreement showing when you moved out. Speaking with TV Licensing can help people who have situations where backdating a claim may involve needing further proof before a refund is released.
