Seven reasons you can get a refund on your TV Licence as 300,000 stop paying
Recent figures from the BBC revealed 23.8million licences were in force at the end of 2024/25, down from 24.1million in 2023/24.
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But rather than ditch paying for a licence, there are some circumstances where you might be eligible for a refund instead.
TV receiving equipment is no longer in use
Refunds can be issued if a licence holder stops using TV receiving equipment at their address.
The licence holder should not watch TV channels on any TV service, watch live TV on streaming services, or use BBC iPlayer.
This includes recording and downloading programmes on any TV receiving device, like an iPad.
The address is covered by another licence
Refunds can also be issued where the licence holder moves to a different address where they are covered by someone else's licence.
For example, if you move out of your home and into your parents' or partner's address.
TV Licence is bought in error
Someone who has bought a licence when they don't need one is eligible for a refund.
For example, if a licence was bought when there was already one in place at an address.
The TV Licensing website says if a licence was bought in error as a result of advice given by TV Licensing, the customer can claim up to six years' worth of refunds.
A replacement TV Licence has been bought
You can also get a refund if you move to another type of TV licence, replacing an existing one.
Three key benefits that YOU could be missing out on, and one even gives you a free TV Licence
For example, if you move from a £174.50 colour TV Licence to a Black and White TV Licence, which costs £58.50.
Refunds are given for any unused months left on your existing licence.
The full list of circumstances where you can make a claim in this situation is found via - www.tvlicensing.co.uk/about/legislation-and-policy-AB9#link4.
Blind concession refunds
A refund of up to half the licence fee can be given if a licence holder has a blind certificate issued by a local authority or ophthalmologist.
So, if you've bought a TV Licence and are later found to be blind, you could be eligible for a refund on the amount you've overpaid.
Refunds in consequence of a free TV Licence application
You can get a refund for each month remaining on your TV Licence if you are found to qualify for a free one.
For example, you can get a free TV Licence if you're 75 or older and receiving Pension Credit.
Refunds due to the death of a licence holder
You can apply for a refund for any complete months left on your licence if the licence holder has died.
In this instance, the executor of someone's will should get in touch with TV Licensing to report the death and inform them who will be responsible for the licence going forward.
How to apply for a TV Licence refund
You can apply for a free TV Licence up to 14 days before the date you no longer need it.
You can claim the refund online via - www.tvlicensing.co.uk/faqs/FAQ76.
TV Licensing says it aims to issue any refund within 21 days of receiving any application.
Refunds are paid as a cheque or directly into your bank account.
Or, you can contact the TV Licensing call centre on 0300 790 6096.
How to watch TV legally without paying for a licence
YOU can legally use the following services without a TV Licence as long as you aren't using them to watch or stream live TV:
On demand TV – such as catch-up TV and on demand previews, which are available through services including ITV Player, All 4, My5, BT Vision/BT TV, Virgin Media, Sky Go, Now TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku and Amazon Fire TV. You can't watch or download programmes on BBC iPlayer without a TV licence.
On demand movies - from services such as Sky, Virgin Media, BT Vision, Netflix and Amazon Instant Video.
Recorded films and programmes - either via DVD or Blu-ray, or downloaded from the internet.
YouTube - Video clips that aren't live through services such as YouTube.
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