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Saturday, 15 July 2006

Money, tax and benefits

Free TV licences factsheet

If you're 75 or over you're entitled to a free television licence. If you’re 74 you can apply for a short term licence to cover you until the end of the month before you reach 75. You can also get TV licence concessions if you're registered blind or living in residential care.

Who is eligible?

Everyone aged 75 or over can get a free TV licence for their main home. The licence also covers other household members living at the address.

If you’re 74 you can apply for a short term licence that'll be valid until the end of the month before your 75th birthday.

Concessions for people in residential care

If you live in residential care, you may be entitled to an ARC (Accommodation for Residential Care) concessionary licence of £5 a year.

Not all residential homes have an ARC licence and you must be retired and over 60 or disabled to qualify for an ARC licence. The administrator of your accommodation can apply for the licence on your behalf.

If you have a full licence and move into accommodation eligible for an ARC licence, you can join the ARC scheme and claim a refund for outstanding months. The administrator of your accommodation should write to TV Licensing to apply for you.



Concessions for blind people

If you or someone you live with is registered blind, you can get 50 per cent off the cost of your TV Licence.

If the person registered blind is not the current licence holder for your address, you'll need to transfer the licence into their name.

To do this, call TV Licensing 0845 603 6999, minicom 0870 575 8604.

To apply for the blind concession, you'll need to send TV Licensing your name, address, telephone number, TV Licence number and the following:

  • a photocopy of the blind registration certificate from your local authority or ophthalmologist
  • your licence renewal notice (if you have one)
  • payment by cheque or postal order of the half-price TV licence fee

Post your application to TV Licensing, Blind Concession Group, Bristol BS98 1TL.

You should get a new TV licence within 10 working days of receipt of your application.



How to apply

 If you're 75 or over you can apply for the free Over 75 Licence by phone.

Call TV Licensing 0845 603 6999, minicom 0870 575 8604 (8.30 am to 9.00 pm Monday to Friday, Saturdays 8.30 to 5.00 pm).  

You'll be asked to give your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number.

If you're 74, you can apply for the Short Term Licence by also calling TV Licensing 0845 603 6999, minicom 0870 575 8604.

You'll need to give your current TV Licence number along with your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number.



ARC Concessionary Licences

You can ask the administrator at your eligible residential care home to apply for ARC licences on your behalf.



Channel Islands

The free TV licence is available in Guernsey, Alderney and Herm but not Jersey or Sark. 

You'll need to contact your benefits office to find out if you're eligible for a concessionary TV licence where they're available.





What to do if your circumstances change

If you move home, tell TV Licensing so your licence can be transferred to your new address.

You can update your details on the TV Licensing website.

Or call TV Licensing 0845 603 6999 0845 603 6999, minicom 0870 575 8604.

What else you need to know

If you have queries about free licences or concessions contact TV Licensing 0845 603 6999, minicom 0870 575 8604 (8.30 am to 9.00 pm Monday to Friday, Saturdays 8.30 to 5.00 pm).  

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