Hello Everyone. The free TV Licence is an important benefit for many older people in the UK. The rules about this concession have changed over time. The automatic free licence for everyone aged 60 & over stopped in December 2025. The benefit now depends on whether you qualify for Pension Credit. UK residents need to understand the current rules & how to apply. This guide explains everything you need to know.
The Current Eligibility Criteria
The main change is that turning 55 no longer automatically qualifies you for a free TV Licence. The government & TV Licensing now require you to meet specific financial criteria. This approach targets the benefit toward people who genuinely need financial support. Knowing these exact requirements is essential for obtaining your free licence. You must satisfy both of these conditions to receive a free UK TV Licence: The licence holder needs to be 55 years old or older. Either you or your partner at the same address must receive Pension Credit. When you fulfill both requirements your entire household gains coverage. This means everyone else living in your main home can watch television under the same free licence regardless of their age.
Understanding Pension Credit
Pension Credit is an important benefit that helps pensioners with low incomes by adding money to what they receive. This benefit is what allows you to get a free TV Licence under the current rules. You should check if you qualify even if you think you earn too much. Many people who can claim this benefit are not doing so. Pension Credit comes in two types: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. Guarantee Credit adds money to your weekly income when it falls below a set amount. Savings Credit gives extra money to people who put aside some money for their retirement. Getting either type of Pension Credit means you can get a free TV Licence.
How to Apply for Your Free Licence
TV Licensing has made the application process straightforward. You can apply online or by phone depending on what works best for you. The free licence does not start automatically when you reach the qualifying age. You need to submit an application to receive it. The recommended time to apply is around age 54. This allows TV Licensing to maintain your coverage until you turn 75 and then switch you to the free licence. Online Application Go to the TV Licensing official website and find the section for applying for a free TV licence. If you already have a TV Licence account you will need to log in. Fill out the form by entering your personal information and confirming that you receive Pension Credit.
What Evidence is Required?
TV Licensing requires official proof that you qualify for Pension Credit when you submit your application. This step helps prevent fraud and makes sure the benefit reaches the right people. Getting your documents together beforehand will make the process much faster. You must submit your Pension Credit reference number or a letter that shows you receive the benefit. The Department for Work & Pensions or the Pension Service usually sends this official paperwork. Documents that work include your decision letter from the DWP or a Pension Credit Uprating letter. When the licence belongs to someone else right now the person who is 60 or older and gets Pension Credit needs to request a transfer into their name. This makes sure the household gets the free licence properly. Everyone living in the home will be covered no matter whose name appears on the licence.
What if You are Under 60?
The new rules follow strict age and Pension Credit requirements for a free licence. If you are between 54 and 60 years old you must keep paying for your licence unless you qualify for another type of discount. This means you will pay the standard licence fee or receive other available discounts. If you are under 60 and having money problems, you should still check if you can get Pension Credit. Getting this benefit can help you access other financial support and will prepare you for the free TV Licence when you reach 60.
Making Sure You are Covered
After TV Licensing approves your application for a free TV Licence they will send you a confirmation document. You should store this document safely & make sure your personal information stays current. Your free licence lasts for one year and TV Licensing will check your eligibility regularly to verify that you still qualify for Pension Credit. TV Licensing will reach out to you before your free licence expires so you do not need to worry about missing the deadline. They will provide instructions about renewing your licence or confirming that you still meet the requirements. Staying in contact with them helps you maintain uninterrupted coverage. You must notify TV Licensing right away if your Pension Credit ends because this change affects your eligibility for the free licence. If you fail to report this change you may have to pay for a full licence going back to when your Pension Credit stopped.
