DWP says some over-75s can cut Television Licence to £0
The Department for Work and Pensions says state pensioners aged 75 and over on a low income can bring their television licence bill down to £0 by claiming Pension Credit. A standard TV Licence now costs £180 a year after a £5.50 increase on April 1.
That route applies to people who already receive the benefit or can claim it and then use the support that comes with it, including help with housing costs, council tax and free television licences. The government has also set the fee to rise with inflation for the rest of the Charter period, which runs until the end of 2027.
DWP Pension Credit rates
The DWP said Pension Credit rose by 4.8% on April 6 and is now worth an average of £4,300 a year. Under the April 2026/27 rates, single claimants can top up their income to £238 a week, while joint weekly income can be topped up to £363.25 if they have a partner.
The department said: "Pension Credit will also rise by 4.8% and be worth an average of £4,300 a year, unlocking further support including help with housing costs, council tax and free television licenses. Between 2026 and 2027, the government will provide a £6 billion boost to spending on State Pensions and pensioner benefits."
TV Licensing at 74
TV Licensing says people who already get Pension Credit can apply for a free TV Licence when they are 74, but they need to keep paying until the end of the month before their 75th birthday. After that point, they are covered by the free licence.
A black and white TV Licence costs £60.50 annually. Households need a licence to watch or record programmes on a TV, computer or other device as they are broadcast, and for on-demand programmes on iPlayer.
April 2027 fee rise
The fee already rose in line with inflation in 2025 under the 2022 Licence Fee Settlement, and another increase is due in April 2026 in line with CPI inflation. The current settlement also means the charge will keep rising with inflation through the end of 2027, leaving eligible pensioners with a clear way to remove the yearly bill if they secure Pension Credit.
