MoneySavingExpert.com homepage
Cutting your costs, fighting your corner
Founder, Martin Lewis · Editor-in-Chief, Marcus Herbert
Search bar closed.
MSE News

BBC to continue giving over-75 TV licence refunds after rule change

hero-tv-licence.jpg
Callum Mason
Callum Mason
News Reporter
12 July 2019

Pensioners will not face a deadline of June 2020 to reclaim TV licence fees they've accidentally paid, the BBC has confirmed.

Currently anyone over 75 is eligible to apply for a free TV licence, but many accidentally pay each year and then have to reclaim the cash – with almost £38 million being paid back in three years.

But the BBC plans to end free TV licences for over-75s from next year, unless they get the pension credit benefit.

Last week, when we asked the corporation if pensioners would still be able to claim back cash mistakenly paid under the current rules, it wasn't able to guarantee they'd be able to do this after the rule change in June 2020. 

However, the BBC now says the "existing policy on refunds will continue", so nobody will face a deadline to reclaim money they've accidentally paid under the current rules. 

Unsure if you need a TV licence? See our 20+ TV licence tips.

How to get a free TV licence if you're 75+ (or reclaim if you've paid)

While some may choose not to apply for a free licence and refund on principle, for instance because they want to support the BBC, others simply forget to stop paying, as the free licence for over-75s is not issued automatically and needs to be applied for. 

Once issued, the licence is currently renewed automatically every year, unless you don't have a national insurance number, in which case TV Licensing will get in touch each year to ask you to confirm your circumstances have not changed.

  • If you're over 75 – you can apply for a free over-75 licence on the TV Licensing website or by calling 0300 790 6130. TV Licensing says: "When we process your free over-75 licence application we will also refund any money overpaid", but you may need to provide additional information for this.

  • If you're 74 – you can get a short-term TV Licence to cover you until your 75th birthday. This lets you pay only for the months you have left until you turn 75. Again, you can get one of these on the TV Licensing website.

You can also claim for a licence holder if you have Power of Attorney for them.

TV Licensing will also issue refunds to the estate of a deceased person who has paid for a TV licence when they would have been entitled to a free over-75 licence. You can reclaim as far back as 1 November 2000.

The rules are different in the Isle of Man, where free TV licences have only been available since April 2018. In Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney, over-75s aren't routinely entitled to a free licence, but may be if they meet certain conditions. Over-75s in Sark aren't offered free TV licences.

MSE Forum

BBC to continue giving over-75 TV licence refunds after rule change

Forum image
MSE Email icon 5 November 2024

For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes simply sign up today - it’s spam free!

Martin's Savings Masterclass
Boost your interest NOW
Life insurance for beginners
Save £1,000s
Paying off student loan?
Some can get £100s back
Are solar panels worth it?
See our updated guide
TWO pairs of specs £14
Including delivery
Budget need-to-knows
Stamp Duty, carers & pensions
Santander FREE £150 bank bribe
For newbie switchers
Tools and calculators

Clever ways to calculate your finances

Find your odds of getting top cards
Find your odds for getting a cheap loan
Compare broadband, phone & TV deals
Compares thousands of mortgages
Eight calcs to help you work out the cost
We ensure you’re on the cheapest tariff