Ireland TV licence loophole means some don't have to pay €160 fee in 2025
Fines of up to €1,000 can be issued to anyone caught without a valid licence. One licence covers an entire home or premises, even if there are multiple TVs. First-time purchases can be made at an An Post office, online or over the phone, and it must be renewed every 12 months.
But not everyone has to pay. Thanks to a lesser-known exemption, some people in Ireland can legally avoid the fee in 2025 - and many may not even realise they qualify.
The key to this exemption is the Household Benefits Package (HBP), a government support scheme that helps with the cost of household bills, such as electricity and gas. If you're approved for the HBP, you may also be entitled to a free TV licence.
To qualify for the HBP and the free TV licence, you must meet specific criteria:
Anyone aged under 70 and living with a spouse, cohabitant or civil partner can get the HBP if they are in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment, and other factors apply.
In order to get the HBP, they must be getting an increase in their qualifying social welfare payment for their partner/cohabitant, or they are getting their own qualifying social welfare payment, or they are getting a social welfare payment not listed below and they satisfy a means test. They can also live with other adults who are not their spouse, cohabitant or civil partner and still get the HBP.
The following social welfare payments will qualify those under 70 for the HBP.
For those aged between 66 and 70 and not getting a qualifying social welfare payment, they must pass a means test. In a means test, the Department of Social Protection examines all their sources of income. The person's weekly income must be below a certain amount to pass the means test.
The amount of means that they are allowed to have for the HBP is the current maximum rate of State Pension, including any increases that they might get for their age, living alone and dependants, plus €200.
The main items included in the means test are:
If you believe you meet the criteria, you can apply online at MyWelfare.ie, or download and post the application form for the Household Benefits Package.
With the cost of living crisis ongoing, it's worth checking if you qualify because this little-known exemption could save you €160 in 2025.
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