DWP Offers Free TV Licence for Over-75s – Here’s How to Claim Yours in 2025

Television is often a vital source of companionship, news, and entertainment for many older adults. But the rising TV licence fee can be a burden. Fortunately, UK rules allow some pensioners to avoid paying that fee altogether.

In 2025, if you are aged 75 or over and receive Pension Credit, you may qualify for a free TV licence under a scheme administered through DWP and TV Licensing. This could save you £174.50 (colour licence) this year.

Understanding the Free TV Licence Scheme

• Before 1 August 2020, all people aged 75+ were entitled to a free TV licence, regardless of income.
• From 1 August 2020, the free licence is only available to those aged 75+ who receive Pension Credit (or whose partner receives it)
• The licence covers all people in the same household (i.e. partners, dependents) under the same address.
• If you are already receiving Pension Credit before you turn 75, you can apply in advance (from 74) so the transition is seamless.
• TV Licensing coordinates with DWP to verify eligibility automatically in most cases. You may need to ensure your name, address, and details match DWP records for smooth processing.

Eligibility Criteria — At a Glance

Requirement	Details
Age	Must be 75 years or older
Benefit status	You, or your partner in the household, must receive Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit)
Licence name match	The name on the licence must match the name used for Pension Credit or the partner’s name as relevant
Residency	Must live in the UK; free licence applies to your main address
Verification	DWP / TV Licensing verification process, possibly requiring matching records or documentation

If you meet all of these, your household is eligible for a free colour TV licence, which eliminates the cost you would otherwise pay.

How the Saving Works: ~£174.50

• As of 1 April 2025, the cost of a colour TV licence is £174.50 per year.
• If you qualify for the free licence, you do not pay that amount. That is your annual saving.
• If you already paid (for example, early in the year), you can request a refund for unused months once your eligibility is confirmed.
• Savings accumulate: over 5 years, at the current rate, you could save £872.50 (5 × £174.50), assuming you remain eligible.
• Note: some older sources still refer to £169.50, but that was the rate before the April 2025 increase.

How to Apply for the Free TV Licence

1. Check your benefit status
   Confirm you (or your partner) receive Pension Credit (Guarantee or Savings Credit).
2. Apply online
   Go to the TV Licensing website’s “free or discounted TV licence” section and submit your application. They will check with DWP.
3. By telephone
   Call TV Licensing at 0300 790 6071 to complete your application.
4. By post
   Request or download a paper form, attach proof of Pension Credit, and send it to TV Licensing’s address.
5. Automatic renewals
   Once accepted, your licence renews free every year, so long as you continue to receive Pension Credit.
6. Special cases
   • If you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, an ARC licence (£7.50) may apply.
   • If you are registered blind / severely sight-impaired, you may still qualify for a 50% discounted licence if you don’t meet the Pension Credit criteria.

Important Tips & Common Pitfalls

• Ensure your name and address exactly match those on your DWP / Pension Credit record; discrepancies may delay approval.
• If your partner receives Pension Credit and the licence is under their name, you can still be covered (if you live together).
• If you already paid a licence for the year, you must ask for a refund; it’s not always automatic.
• Don’t rely on automatic enrolment if your records are incomplete — sometimes you must initiate the application.
• Be aware that free TV licence for all pensioners (regardless of Pension Credit) is a misleading or speculative claim from some sources — as of current official rules, eligibility still requires Pension Credit and age 75+.
• If a household member watches live TV or uses BBC iPlayer, a licence (or exemption) is required — you can’t avoid it by watching catch-up only.

If you’re aged 75 or over and claim Pension Credit, you can obtain a free TV licence and save £174.50 in 2025. The process is straightforward — apply online, by phone, or by post — and your entitlement continues automatically each year.

Make sure your details match DWP records, and if you’ve already paid for part of the year, request a refund for unused months. Taking this step can relieve a significant annual expense and ensure you enjoy TV without the financial strain.

FAQs