State Pensioners on Pension Credit who are born before a certain date can apply to have the cost of their TV License reduced to £0, if they meet certain eligibility requirements . A standard colour TV licence, 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, is currently £180 per year.
However, it is possible to get reductions, or even avoid have to pay the fee at all if certain criteria are met. If you getPension Credit, if you’re at least 75 years old, you can get a free licence. That means any Pension Credit recipient born in 1950 or earlier can definitely apply. People born in 1951 can too if their birthday falls on or before September 24, 1951 as of September 24, 2026. You can also get one even if you don’t have Pension Credit, provided you’re 75 and over and live with your partner who gets Pension Credit. A 75 and over free licence covers everyone living with them at the 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 is a form of support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that 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 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.
