John Hughie
For many UK households, the TV licence fee—currently £174.50 per year—is an unwelcome yet necessary expense. However, state pensioners can legally reduce this cost to £0 by using two straightforward methods, and thousands are already doing so.
With rising living costs, these TV licence loopholes offer valuable savings for pensioners on a fixed income. Here’s everything you need to know about these two legal tricks, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What Is the TV Licence Fee?
The TV licence funds BBC programming and is legally required to:
- Watch or record live TV on any channel
- Stream or download from BBC iPlayer
Failing to pay can result in fines, but not everyone needs to pay.
As streaming platforms like Netflix and ITVX grow in popularity, fewer households are paying the fee. According to the BBC, the number of TV licences dropped from 24.1 million to 23.8 million last year—costing the broadcaster an estimated £50 million in lost income.
Method 1: Free TV Licence for Over-75s on Pension Credit
The first and most powerful route to a free licence is Pension Credit.
Who qualifies?
- You must be aged 75 or over
- You or your partner must be receiving Pension Credit
Pension Credit tops up the income of low-income pensioners. Here’s how much you need to be earning to qualify:
| Pension Type | Weekly Income Threshold |
|---|---|
| New State Pension (post-2016) | £227.10 |
| Basic State Pension (pre-2016) | £174.50 |
If your income is below these thresholds, you could be eligible for Pension Credit—and therefore a completely free TV licence.
How to apply:
- Visit the GOV.UK Pension Credit page
- Apply online or via phone
- Once approved, notify TV Licensing to cancel your bill
The savings are immediate, amounting to £174.50 per year—or more than £14 a month.
Method 2: Not Watching Live TV or BBC iPlayer
The second way to legally avoid the TV licence is by changing your viewing habits.
You do not need a licence if you:
- Don’t watch or record live TV on any channel
- Don’t use BBC iPlayer
You can still:
- Watch on-demand content on ITVX, All4, My5, Netflix, Disney+, and others—as long as it’s not live
- View past episodes of shows like Coronation Street or Hollyoaks after broadcast time
This method is 100% legal, but you must declare it:
- Fill out a “no licence needed” declaration form on the TV Licensing website
- Confirm that you do not watch any live broadcast or BBC iPlayer
Keep in mind: Watching even one minute of live content or streaming BBC iPlayer would invalidate your exemption.
Comparison of the Two Methods
| Method | Who Qualifies | Savings | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pension Credit (Age 75+) | Over 75s on low income (Pension Credit) | £174.50/year | Apply for Pension Credit and notify TV Licensing |
| No Live TV / No BBC iPlayer | Anyone not watching live or BBC iPlayer | £174.50/year | Submit no licence declaration |
Both methods are legal, simple, and can save you a significant amount every year.
Why This Matters Now
The BBC is reviewing its funding model as fewer households are paying for the licence. With streaming services growing and licence fee collections falling, the future of the TV licence could change in the coming years.
BBC Chair Samir Shah has publicly acknowledged that competition from platforms like Netflix is increasing pressure. The current drop in licence fee revenue is estimated to have cost the broadcaster £50 million in the last year alone.
Protect Yourself From Scams
Be aware that scammers often target older adults by pretending to be TV Licensing or DWP.
- Never click on unsolicited links in texts or emails
- TV Licensing will never ask for bank details via text
- Always use the official GOV.UK or TV Licensing website
The TV licence fee may seem unavoidable, but state pensioners have two powerful ways to reduce it to £0 legally. Whether you qualify for Pension Credit or simply choose to change your viewing habits, you can save over £174.50 per year—a welcome relief in times of rising costs.
If you believe you qualify, don’t wait. Apply today, declare your status, and enjoy your favourite content without paying a penny more than necessary.
FAQs
I’m over 75 but not on Pension Credit. Can I still get a free TV licence?
No. As of 2020, only over-75s receiving Pension Credit qualify for a free TV licence.
Can I still watch ITVX and Netflix without a TV licence?
Yes, as long as you’re not watching live broadcasts or using BBC iPlayer, you do not need a licence.
What happens if I accidentally watch live TV without a licence?
You could face a fine of up to £1,000, so it’s essential to stick to on-demand-only platforms if using the second method.
