The Over 75’s Licence – an update from the TV Licensing Community Relations Team
We were recently in touch with the TV Licensing community relations team for London and South East, who were able to provide some advice on all aspects of the TV Licence, including the changes to the over 75’s TV Licence and the different concessions available for our blind and severely sight impaired members.
What is happening to the over 75s TV Licence concession?
- Free TV Licences for all over 75s, funded by the Government, will come to an end on 31st July 2020.
- However, from 1st August 2020, anyone over 75 that is receiving Pension Credit will be eligible to apply for a free TV Licence, paid for by the BBC.
- Applicants need to be receiving Pension Credit in their name, or this can be in their partner’s name if they are a couple and living at the same address. You only need one TV Licence per household.
- Over 75s not receiving Pension Credit, or ineligible for the blind (severely sight impaired) concession, will need to pay for their TV Licence from 1st August.
- For more on the changes to over 75s TV Licences, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/age.
What about concessions for blind (severely sight impaired)?
If you are blind (severely sight impaired) and can provide the appropriate evidence, then you are eligible to apply for a 50% concession. Your TV Licence will also cover anyone who lives with you. Those that are partially sighted (sight impaired) are not eligible for the concession. A blind concession TV Licence costs £78.75 for colour and £26.50 for a black and white TV Licence. To apply, you will need to complete an application form and post it, and a photocopy of one of the following documents, to TV Licensing:
- A copy of the certificate or document issued by or on behalf of your local authority
- A copy of the certificate from your ophthalmologist
I’m over 75 and haven’t paid for a TV Licence before, how do I know what option is best for me?
I am over 75, partially sight impaired and not receiving Pension Credit
- Answer: you are not eligible for any concessions and will need to pay for your TV Licence from 1 August 2020.
I am over 75, blind or severely sight impaired and not receiving Pension Credit
- Answer: you are not eligible for a free TV licence, but eligible for the 50% blind concession.
I am over 75, blind or severely sight impaired and do receive Pension Credit
- Answer: you are eligible a free TV Licence and should proceed with this option, instead of the 50% blind concession.
Please note if you are living in a couple and your partners fit one of the above criteria that is eligible for a concession, the TV Licence can be applied in their name. You only need one TV Licence per household.
How to pay
TV Licencing has set up the ‘The 75+ Plan’ specifically to help those aged 75 or over who have previously held a free TV Licence and are now having to pay. The Plan allows customers to spread the cost of their licence, with no additional charges for paying this way and without the need for upfront payments.
There are also many other ways people can pay for a TV Licence:
- Direct Debit – most popular method, which can be annually, quarterly or monthly.
- Payment Card – PayPoint/Cash payment - monthly, fortnightly and weekly.
- Online via www.tvlicensing.co.uk using credit or debit card.
- Phone using a credit or debit card on 0300 555 0286.
- Cheque which can be posted.
What should I do next?
No one needs to take any immediate action, or leave their home, to claim for a free TV licence or pay for one. TV Licencing is writing to over 75 customers to explain the full range of payment methods and they can choose the option that works best for them, including information about applying for a free licence if eligible. A dedicated contact centre telephone number will be included in the letter.
To find out more, and apply for a 50% blind concession licence, please visit tvlicensing.co.uk/blind. You can also get information on the concession in Braille, large print or audio format by calling TV Licensing on 0300 790 6076.