Overview

• Pensioners aged over 75 with weekly incomes below about £227 can claim Pension Credit to secure a free TV licence and regain the £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
• Households do not need a TV licence if they never watch BBC programmes or live broadcasts on any channel, including catch-up services.
• The annual TV licence fee rose to £174.50 in April 2025 and non-payment while watching live TV or BBC iPlayer can prompt prosecutions and fines up to £1,000 in the UK or £2,000 in Guernsey.
• Eligible licence holders may apply for refunds when moving in with a household that already holds a licence, relocating abroad, entering a care home, or qualifying for Pension Credit.
• Pension Credit, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, also supports low-income pensioners with living costs and housing charges.