The cost of a TV licence rose earlier this year, but you might qualify for a reimbursement. The current fee is £174.50 annually, permitting legal viewing of live TV, catch-up, and BBC iPlayer content. If you no longer require a TV licence before it expires, you could be eligible for a refund, especially if moving to an address with an existing licence holder among your spouse, partner, family member, or co-tenant.
Upon turning 75 and claiming Pension Credit, individuals are entitled to a free TV licence, enabling refunds for months post-75th birthday. Relocating to care facilities or sheltered housing may also warrant refunds, given the £7.50 concessionary TV licence per room, flat, or bungalow. Cancellation is feasible when moving overseas or ceasing live TV or BBC iPlayer usage.
A TV licence is unnecessary for catch-up streaming excluding BBC iPlayer, like Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4, or My5. However, live streaming through these platforms necessitates a TV licence. Refund amounts depend on remaining licence duration, requiring a minimum of one month left for refund applications, completed online monthly, quarterly, or yearly.
Failure to possess a TV licence for required viewing could result in fines up to £1,000 (£2,000 in Guernsey) plus potential legal costs or compensation. TV licence coverage extends to conventional TV sets, laptops, computers, tablets, and phones.
