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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. Applications for the licence should be made by your housing manager on your behalf.

If you have a full ARC licence and move into accommodation eligible for an ARC licence, you can 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 on 0300 790 6131, minicom 0300 790 6050.

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

Post your application to:
TV Licensing
Blind Concession Group
Bristol BS98 1TL.
Remember to include your name, address, phone number and TV Licence number (if you have one).

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

• Television licence discount - if you're registered blind or living in residential care (disabled people section)

How to apply

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

Call TV Licensing 0300 790 6131, minicom 0300 709 6050 (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 0300 790 6131, minicom 0300 790 6050.

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

• TV Licensing Opens new window

ARC Concessionary Licences

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

Channel Islands and Isle of Man

The free TV licence is available in Isle of Man, 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.

Jersey residents aged 75 or over may be entitled to have their television licence fee paid for by the Jersey Department of Social Security.

• TV licence for people over 75 in Jersey Opens new window

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.

• Change your address on the TV Licensing website Opens new window

Or call TV Licensing 0300 790 6131, minicom 0300 790 6050.

What else you need to know

If you have queries about free licences or concessions contact TV Licensing 0300 790 6131, minicom 0300 790 6050. Office hours are 8.30 am to 9.00 pm Monday to Friday, Saturdays 8.30 to 5.00 pm.

• FAQs - Over 75 and short term TV licences Opens new window

More useful links

• Retirement benefits - financial help

• Qualifying for a free passport

Useful contacts

• Retirement contacts

• Over 50s contacts