As household expenses continue to rise, a lesser-known strategy could help thousands of UK residents avoid paying unnecessary costs on their TV licence. With the price of a TV licence set to increase from April 1, households are being urged to check whether they actually need to pay for one—potentially saving up to £196 annually.
TV Licence Costs Set to Rise
From April 1, the annual cost of a standard colour TV licence will increase from £169.50 to £174.50. The black and white licence will also go up, from £57 to £58.50 per year. While these may appear as small adjustments, over time they add up, especially when paired with the cost-of-living crisis affecting millions of households.
Not Everyone Needs a TV Licence
Many people are still unaware that they may not need a TV licence at all. According to TV and broadband expert Sabrina Hoque from Uswitch, several scenarios exempt individuals from this requirement. “If you’re only watching on-demand content via streaming services such as Netflix, Apple TV, or Amazon Prime, you don’t need to pay for a TV licence,” said Hoque. “You also don’t need one if you’re over 75 and receiving Pension Credit.” This insight could be a game-changer for many who are unknowingly paying for something they don’t legally require.
Who Is Exempt from Paying?
Under current UK regulations, several groups are exempt from paying the TV licence fee. These include individuals aged 75 or over who are receiving Pension Credit, households that only use their television for on-demand content and do not watch or record live TV on any platform, and those watching only catch-up content on services like ITVX or All4, provided it’s not BBC iPlayer (which still requires a licence). People unsure of their eligibility can verify their status through the TV Licensing website or by calling 0300 790 6117.
Understanding Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a government benefit designed to support pensioners with low incomes. It is made up of two parts: Guarantee Credit, which ensures a minimum weekly income of £218.15 for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples starting April 2025, and Savings Credit, an additional payment of up to £17.01 a week for singles and £19.04 for couples with some savings or additional pension income. Despite its benefits, government statistics reveal that around 850,000 eligible households are not currently claiming Pension Credit, missing out on thousands of pounds in support annually.
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Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify for Pension Credit, you must be at or above the state pension age and have a low income. Eligibility is determined by evaluating your income, including pensions, employment, and most social security benefits. However, some benefits like Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, and Housing Benefit are not counted as income. You can apply for Pension Credit online at gov.uk/pension-credit, by phone at 0800 99 1234, or by post to: The Pension Service 8, Post Handling Site B, Wolverhampton WV99 1AN. Claims can be made up to four months before reaching state pension age, and if you’ve already passed the age, you can still apply with backdated claims allowed up to three months.
Extra Benefits with Pension Credit
Those receiving Pension Credit may also be entitled to a range of other benefits, including free NHS dental care and eye tests, Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments, Council Tax Reductions, and a free TV licence (for those aged over 75). Altogether, Pension Credit is estimated to be worth an average of £3,900 a year in financial support and additional benefits.
Other Ways to Save on TV and Broadband
Even for those who aren’t eligible for exemptions, there are still ways to cut costs. Combining TV and broadband services into a bundle package can lead to savings. “Many providers offer broadband and TV bundles,” said Hoque. “For example, Sky offers packages for as little as £35 a month, often including discounts or bonus channels.” Consumers are encouraged to compare deals from providers such as Sky, Virgin Media, TalkTalk, and BT to find the best value package.
Final Thoughts: Check Before You Pay
With bills increasing and household budgets tighter than ever, being savvy about your TV licence can make a real difference. Taking a few minutes to assess your viewing habits and eligibility could lead to annual savings of up to £196 or more—a welcome relief in today’s economy. So before April’s price rise hits, make sure you’re not paying more than you need to. A quick check now could help keep your finances in check throughout the year.
