Could over-75s be missing out on a free TV Licence?

[UknownM]

The TV Licence goes up to £180 a year from 1 April 2026 (from £174.50). But a big chunk of over-75s are paying it who don't have to.

Over-75s get a free TV Licence, but only if they or their partner receive Pension Credit. The catch: an estimated 900,000 households with someone over 75 could qualify for Pension Credit (and therefore the free licence) but don't claim it. So they pay the full £180 unnecessarily.

If you have a parent or grandparent over 75, worth checking whether they're on Pension Credit. Owning their home or having savings doesn't automatically rule them out. The free licence isn't automatic either, they have to apply through TV Licensing once they're on Pension Credit.

Other bits people get wrong:

• You don't need a licence for Netflix, Disney+ or Prime on-demand. Only for live TV (any channel) and BBC iPlayer.
• Registered blind: 50% off, so £90.
• Can't afford the lump sum? You can pay weekly or monthly.

Wrote it up here: trendingsheet.com/article/uk-tv-licence-2026-27-180-pounds-who-needs-one-free-over-75

Anyone sorted a free licence for a parent through Pension Credit?

Most people over 75 dont use streaming services. If they get pension credits they can also get the government social tariff broadband. Its generally £20.00. Varies ftom different companies. Also available to anyone who is on universal credit, job seekers, and esa. But you have to ask. Companies tell staff not to promote it generally.