Television licences

In certain situations we may contribute towards your television licence. To get help you must meet all four of the following conditions:

• Be under 75 years old
• Have a permanent and substantial disability, and be in receipt of the higher rate of the Disability Living Allowance (care) or the higher rate of Attendance Allowance
• Be housebound and alone for the greater part of the day and night, except for visits from paid carers
• Be in receipt of a means tested benefit, for example Income Support, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.

Please note – we cannot contribute to the cost of any television equipment or repairs.

Other sources of help

If you are 75 or over you automatically qualify for a free television licence. If you are 74 years old but will be 75 before your present licence expires you can get a Short Term TV licence. Visit the TV Licensing website for full details of how to apply or telephone 0870 241 6468.

If you, or someone you live with, is blind you can only need pay half of the standard licence fee. Visit the TV Licensing website for full details of how to apply or telephone 0870 241 6468.

Some district and borough councils contribute towards the cost of a television licence. Contact your council to find out more.

Living in care

If you are living in a care home (whether long term or short stay) and want to watch television in your own room you must have either:

• your own licence or
• be included in an “Accommodation for Residential Care” (ARC) concessionary TV licence.

Our advice sheet on television licences explains what you need to do in more detail.

Television licences in care homes [58KB]

Television licences in care homes [114KB]