Overview

• The annual licence now costs £174.90 after a 2025 increase, prompting new consumer checks on eligibility to stop paying.
• A licence is required if you watch or record live TV on any channel or use BBC iPlayer on any device.
• You can cancel and request a refund if you move to a home already covered, leave the UK, or watch only non‑BBC on‑demand services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX or Disney+.
• People aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit (or have a partner who does at the same address) get a free licence and can reclaim any months after their 75th birthday, with applications allowed from age 74.
• Residents in residential care homes, supported housing or sheltered accommodation qualify for a £7.50 concessionary licence, and refunds are available if at least one full month remains, with applications accepted up to 14 days before cancellation and typically paid within 21 days by bank transfer or cheque.