State pensioners can get free TV Licence worth £180 with one DWP benefit claim

State pensioners aged 75 and over who are struggling financially can now receive a BBC TV Licence free of charge by claiming Pension Credit, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The benefit could save eligible older Britons £180 a year, with the standard TV Licence fee currently costing that amount before it is due to rise again in April next year in line with CPI inflation.

Pension Credit is designed to top up the incomes of older people on lower earnings, and one of its most valuable benefits is a free TV Licence for claimants aged 75 and over.

The DWP confirmed Pension Credit increased by 4.8 per cent from April 6 and said the benefit is now worth an average of around £4,300 a year.

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In addition to direct financial support, Pension Credit can unlock a range of additional benefits that could significantly reduce household costs.

A DWP spokesman said: "Pension Credit will also rise by 4.8 per cent and be worth an average of £4,300 a year, unlocking further support including help with housing costs, council tax and free television licences.

"Between 2026 and 2027, the Government will provide a £6billion boost to spending on state pensions and pensioner benefits."

Under the current 2026/27 rates, Pension Credit can top up a single claimant's weekly income to £238.

Couples claiming jointly can have their weekly income increased to £363.25.

The DWP said the average Pension Credit application takes just 16 minutes to complete, making it relatively straightforward for eligible pensioners to apply.

People already receiving Pension Credit can apply for a free TV Licence once they reach the age of 74.

However, they must continue paying for their existing licence until the end of the month before their 75th birthday, after which the free licence begins automatically.

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For eligible households, the savings extend beyond the annual TV Licence fee, as Pension Credit can also provide access to additional financial assistance worth thousands of pounds each year.

The Government encourages pensioners to check whether they qualify for the benefit, particularly as the TV Licence fee is expected to increase again next April.

Older people who are not eligible for Pension Credit may still be able to reduce their television licensing costs in certain circumstances.

According to TV Licensing, people who no longer watch or record live television on any channel or streaming service, and do not use BBC iPlayer, do not need a TV Licence.

Those who stop requiring a licence may also be eligible for a refund on any unused months remaining on their existing licence.

People living in residential care homes, supported housing or sheltered accommodation may qualify for a reduced-cost licence under the Accommodation for Residential Care concession.

Severely sight-impaired people can also receive a 50 per cent discount on the cost of a TV Licence if they provide the required evidence.

A single TV Licence covers an entire household rather than each individual occupant.

This means people living together can share the cost of one licence if they watch television in communal areas or live under a joint tenancy.

Households that only watch on-demand streaming services such as Netflix or Disney+ and do not watch live television or use BBC iPlayer are not required to hold a TV Licence.

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