Paying your TV Licence

If you’re worried about keeping up with your TV Licence payments, get in touch with TV Licensing as soon as possible.

If your drop in income is temporary and you expect it to go back to normal soon, TV Licensing will work with you to set up an affordable repayment plan.

You can call them on 0300 555 0300 or go to the TV Licensing website Calls cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number, whether from a mobile or landline. If you get inclusive minutes with your mobile, calls to an 0300 number will be included.

You could also consider cancelling your TV Licence. It will save you money and might be a better choice if you’re not sure about when your income will go up again.

Find out more about what to do if you’re struggling to pay your TV Licence Opens in a new window

If you’re having financial difficulties and meet certain other conditions, you might be eligible for a Simple Payment Plan.

What is the TV Licencing simple payment planOpens in a new window

If you don’t think you’ll be able to afford a TV Licence soon, it’s best to cancel it and potentially get some money back.

Beware – it’s illegal to watch television without a TV Licence, so it’s best to get in touch if you’re struggling to pay.

It costs £159 for a colour and £53.50 for a black and white TV Licence. This price is set until April 2024

If you cancel your licence, you can no longer:

• watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on any channel
• watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service – such as ITV Hub, All 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, NOW TV and Sky Go
• download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer.

If you need to cancel your licence, and possibly get a refund, call TV Licensing on:

• 0300 790 6068 - if you pay by Direct Debit or all in one go.
• 0300 555 0300 - if you pay by TV Licensing payment card.

Or you can cancel online by using the contact form at TV LicensingOpens in a new window

Make sure you have your customer number handy and choose the option to cancel your licence.

You can apply online for a refund up to two years after the expiry date of your licence. You might have to print the form and provide evidence.

TV Licensing are aware that many people are struggling with their bills at the moment, including their TV Licence.

They’re giving people more time to pay and might not write to you if you fall behind with payments.

However, try to keep up with your payment plan as this will keep your future payments as low as possible.

If you can’t keep up with your payment plan, contact TV Licensing as soon as you can on 0300 555 0300. They’ll do what they can to help you.

A TV Licence is a priority bill. Only cancel a Direct Debit to a priority bill as a last resort.

If you can’t find a way to pay your TV Licence, it’s best to get advice as soon you can, especially if you’ve got other debts as well.

If you’re 75 or over, you might still be able to get a TV Licence for free, or at a reduced rate.

Pension Credit tops up your retirement money if you’re on a low income. A third of people who are entitled to it don’t claim it.

If you or someone in your household is 75 or over and claiming Pension Credit, you can also claim a free TV Licence.

To claim your free TV Licence, call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6117 to ask for an application form. You’ll need to provide proof of age and that you receive Pension Credit.

Find out more about TV licencing if you’re over 75Opens in a new window

Are you 75 or over and live in a residential care home? You might be covered by the care home’s licence and won’t have to pay, even if you don’t claim Pension Credit.

Ask your care home manager if it has an ‘Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) TV Licence.

Find out more about TV licencing for care home and sheltered accommodation residentsOpens in a new window

If you’re registered blind (severely sight impaired), you can get a 50% discount on your TV Licence fee. There’s no age limit to apply for this.

If you don’t watch TV (or watch anything on BBC iPlayer) and only listen to the radio (even if you listen to BBC radio), you don’t need a TV Licence.

If your TV is black and white, you can apply for a reduced cost TV Licence for £53.50. A colour TV Licence costs £159.

If you don’t qualify for any of the above reductions and are worried about being able to pay for your TV Licence, call TV Licensing as soon as possible on 0300 555 0300.

If you’re retired, there are some benefits you might be entitled to.

Be wary of fake emails or text messages that claim to be from TV Licensing, as it’s a common scam.