Rules changed, headlines spun, and families are left wondering if a “free licence at 60” still exists. Spoiler: the rules aren’t what they used to be, and the path to a free licence now hinges on benefits, not birthdays. Here’s what that actually means in real life—and how to apply if you do qualify.
The queue at the community centre was slow and polite, tea cooling in paper cups. A woman in a wool coat, 62 by the look of it, held up a creased letter from TV Licensing and asked if turning 60 meant she didn’t need to pay any more. The volunteer frowned, reached for a leaflet, then paused—unsure. We’ve all had that moment when you realise the rules have shifted under your feet.
A man at the back chipped in. His mum was 78 and on Pension Credit; their home had a free licence, and it covered him too. Another woman said her neighbour got a discount in sheltered housing, but not free. Everyone nodded, half certain, half lost. The rules look simple, until they’re not.
Who actually gets a free TV Licence now
There isn’t a blanket free TV Licence for over-60s in the UK. The main free licence today is for people aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit. If someone in your household meets both conditions, the free licence covers the whole address. That can include a 60-something who lives there.
Picture Tom, 62, who lives with his mum, Margaret, 79. She gets Pension Credit, so their home has a free licence. Tom doesn’t need his own. It’s the address that’s covered, not each person. Across the UK, several hundred thousand households now fall into this over-75-on-Pension-Credit group. *It’s confusing, and a little exhausting.*
Why the change? The government used to fund free licences for all over-75s. In 2020, that stopped. The BBC introduced new criteria: free for over-75s on Pension Credit, not by age alone. There are still concessions worth knowing. **People who are severely sight impaired can get 50% off.** And if you live in qualifying residential care or sheltered housing, the **Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) licence** can bring the cost down sharply—often **£7.50 per room** in eligible schemes. Being 60 by itself doesn’t unlock a freebie.
How to apply under the updated rules
If someone in your household is 75 or over and gets Pension Credit, apply for the free licence at tvlicensing.co.uk/over75 or by phone on 0300 790 6117. You’ll need their name, date of birth, National Insurance number, address, and a Pension Credit award reference. TV Licensing will usually confirm eligibility with the DWP, so scans aren’t always required. The free licence is then issued for your address, and renewal follows your benefits status.
Living in a qualifying care home or sheltered scheme? Speak to your scheme manager about the ARC concession. They apply on your behalf using the ARC online service or by post. You’ll confirm your room, your resident status, and that the building meets the ARC criteria. If you’re severely sight impaired, apply for the blind concession at tvlicensing.co.uk/blind or via post—include a copy of your Certificate of Visual Impairment or a BD8. Let’s be honest: nobody digs out paperwork with a smile on a rainy Thursday.
Common mistakes are costly. Many over-75s miss out because they haven’t claimed Pension Credit, even though they’re eligible. The quickest fix is to check your entitlement at gov.uk/pension-credit or use the Pension Credit calculator. Age UK can help on 0800 678 1602. Watch for scam texts and emails—TV Licensing won’t demand bank details by SMS, and genuine emails end in “tvlicensing.co.uk”. Keep your licence number handy, and pick a payment plan if finances are tight. A small step now beats a nasty letter later.
“The myth of a free licence at 60 is stubborn,” says Carol, a welfare adviser in Manchester. “The real win is Pension Credit. It boosts income and unlocks the free licence at 75. People are often missing both.”
- Free licence: 75+ on Pension Credit, applied to the household address.
- ARC concession: for qualifying residential care or sheltered housing schemes.
- Blind concession: 50% off with proof of severe sight impairment.
- Apply online or call 0300 790 6117; check Pension Credit first if you’re near 75.
- Beware scams; verify sender addresses and never click random payment links.
The small print that actually matters
The TV Licence covers live TV on any channel and anything on BBC iPlayer, on any device. If you only watch on-demand services like Netflix or Amazon Prime and never use live channels or iPlayer, you don’t need a licence. Reality check: most homes still flick on live news, sport, or a bit of BBC, so the licence is still a thing.
The standard colour licence is currently £169.50 a year. Black-and-white licences still exist at a lower rate, though it’s niche. Payment can be yearly, quarterly, monthly, or via a Simple Payment Plan if you’re in financial difficulty. Missed payments creep into penalties fast. The easiest money saved here is avoiding fines by getting onto the right plan early.
If you live with someone eligible for a free over-75 licence, you don’t need anything extra—their licence covers the home. If you split your time between addresses, the licence must match where you watch most. Students need separate licences unless they’re on battery-powered devices and covered by a family home licence. Rules aren’t romantic, but they are consistent.
There’s a softer side to all this. For many, the TV isn’t a luxury—it’s company, routine, a warm voice in the room. Paying for that can feel heavy when costs are rising. The updated rules still leave room to save: Pension Credit checks, ARC concessions, the blind discount, better payment schedules. It’s not flashy, but sharing the how-to with a neighbour or your mum’s WhatsApp group might be the most useful thing you do this week.
| Point clé | Détail | Intérêt pour le lecteur |
|---|---|---|
| Who gets a free licence | Only 75+ on Pension Credit, applied to the household address | Clarity on eligibility and who benefits at home |
| Other concessions | ARC for care/sheltered housing; 50% blind concession | Alternative routes to reduce costs if 60+ |
| How to apply | Online or 0300 790 6117; have NI number and Pension Credit details | Fast, practical next steps to avoid delays |
FAQ :
- Can over-60s get a free TV Licence?Not by age alone. A free licence is for people aged 75+ who receive Pension Credit. If you live with someone eligible, the home is covered.
- What if I’m 60 and in sheltered housing?You may get the ARC concession through your scheme, which reduces the cost significantly, but it isn’t a blanket free licence.
- How do I prove Pension Credit for a free licence?Use your Pension Credit award details; TV Licensing often confirms directly with the DWP. Keep your award letter handy.
- Do I need a licence if I only use Netflix or Prime?No, as long as you never watch live TV on any channel and never use BBC iPlayer. The moment you do, you need a licence.
- What help is there if I’m struggling to pay?Ask about the Simple Payment Plan, monthly options, and check Pension Credit eligibility. You might also qualify for the blind or ARC concessions.
Quick Q: my dad is 77 and on Pension Credit, and I stay with him three nights a week but have my own flat. Does his free TV licence cover me at his address only, or do I need a separate licence for my place even if I barely watch live TV there? The “main residence” bit is a tad confussing.