Not everyone needs a TV licence (Picture: Getty Images)
Pretty much everyone has a TV or watches programmes on their devices – but contrary to popular belief, not everyone needs a licence.
And if you don’t need one, that’s £159 you’re forking out in a cost of living crisis which could make a real difference.
It’s not just about how old you are, either – recently the BBC was forced to apologise after wrongly saying that anyone over 75 could get one for free.
Depending on the type of programmes you watch, you might not need one at all – and if you’ve already paid, you can apply for a refund.
While most people will need one, it’s definitely worth checking – especially as the price is due to rise from April 2024.
Here’s what you need to know.
Who doesn’t need a TV licence?
You don’t need a TV licence if you’re only watching programmes that are on demand – so anything NOT being broadcast live.
‘Live’ means watching something as it airs, eg on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 etc.
If you only ever watch Netflix, you don’t need a licence Picture: Getty Images)
So if you only ever watch recorded content on YouTube or Netflix, for example, or boxsets on All4 or ITVX, you don’t need one.
However, you would need a licence to watch anything streamed live on these platforms (such as sport on Amazon Prime), and also for everything on BBC iPlayer as the licence fee helps to fund the BBC.
If you do watch live TV, and don’t have a licence, you face a fine of £1,000.
Who does need a TV licence?
It depends if you’re watching programmes at the time they are broadcast (Picture: Getty Images)
Who needs a TV licence?
Typically, one licence covers a household at the same address (not those in self contained flats). A household needs one if anyone:
Watches or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel
Watches or streams programmes live on an online TV service (such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, etc.)
Downloads or watches any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer
People aged 75 and over who are in receipt of Pension Credit, or live with a partner in receipt of Pension Credit, can get a free TV licence by applying here.
Some people who live in a care home or sheltered accommodation can get their TV licence fee massively reduced to just £7.50 per year, and there are reductions for the blind and those watching in black and white.
How to apply for a refund
It’s easy to apply for a refund online using the name on your TV licence, address and postcode.
You can do this within two years of the licence’s expiry date (a longer timeframe applies if you are registered blind).
TV Licencing will work out how much you are entitled to and send you the refund directly.
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