A claim that the UK Government has officially confirmed a free TV Licence for everyone over 60 is not correct. As of August 2026, there is no general free TV Licence for people simply because they are aged 60 or over.
The current rules are more specific. A free TV Licence is available to people aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit, or whose partner living at the same address receives Pension Credit. The licence fee for most other households is now £180 a year from 1 April 2026.
Is there a free TV Licence for everyone over 60?
No. Being aged 60, 65, 70 or even 74 does not by itself qualify someone for a free TV Licence.
The current concession is mainly linked to two conditions: the person must be aged 75 or over and they, or their partner living at the same address, must receive Pension Credit. The official TV Licensing guidance specifically confirms that there is no general free TV Licence for over-60s.
| Age and circumstances | TV Licence position |
|---|---|
| Under 75 | Normally pay the licence fee if one is required |
| 60 to 74 | No automatic free licence |
| 75 or over, receiving Pension Credit | Free TV Licence available |
| 75 or over, partner receives Pension Credit | Free TV Licence available |
| Blind or severely sight impaired | 50% discount may be available |
| Qualifying residential care | Special concession may apply |
Who can get a free TV Licence in 2026?
People aged 75 or over can apply for a free TV Licence if they receive Pension Credit. The same applies where their partner who lives at the same address receives Pension Credit.
The free licence covers the household’s main address. Younger people living at the same address can also be covered by the licence while it remains valid.
Pension Credit is separate from the State Pension. It is an income-related benefit designed to provide additional financial support to people who have reached the qualifying age and have a low income.
Importantly, having savings, owning a home or receiving another pension does not automatically mean someone cannot qualify for Pension Credit. Eligibility depends on the individual’s circumstances.
How much is the TV Licence in 2026?
The standard TV Licence fee increased to £180 from 1 April 2026. This applies to households that need a licence but do not qualify for a concession.
The increase followed the Government’s existing licence-fee settlement, under which the fee rises in line with inflation during the current Charter period.
| Licence type | 2026 cost |
|---|---|
| Standard colour TV Licence | £180 per year |
| Free licence for qualifying over-75s | £0 |
| Blind or severely sight impaired concession | 50% discount |
| Qualifying residential care | Special concession may apply |
How do over-75s apply for the free licence?
A free licence does not automatically appear simply because someone reaches their 75th birthday. Eligible people need to apply so their circumstances can be checked.
The application requires the applicant to provide information confirming their age and Pension Credit entitlement. If there is already a TV Licence at the address, the applicant may need to sign in to that licence before completing the application.
Eligible households can use the official TV Licensing application service to apply for the concession.
What if you are over 60 but under 75?
This is where many online headlines can be misleading.
Someone who is 60, 65, 70 or 74 does not receive a free TV Licence simply because of their age. If they watch or record live television or use BBC iPlayer in a way that requires a licence, they normally need to pay for one unless another concession applies.
However, people aged under 75 who are on a low income should check whether they qualify for Pension Credit. If they later reach 75 while receiving Pension Credit, they may then qualify for the free TV Licence concession.
Pension Credit could be important
For older households struggling with living costs, checking Pension Credit may be more important than simply looking for a free TV Licence.
Pension Credit can provide additional income to eligible pensioners and may also help with other household costs. The Government’s Pension Credit guidance explains that it is an income-related benefit for people who have reached the qualifying age.
TV Licensing also encourages people who are over 75 and do not currently receive Pension Credit to check whether they might be eligible.
Check Pension Credit eligibility on GOV.UK
Other people may qualify for a TV Licence discount
The over-75 Pension Credit concession is not the only TV Licence concession available.
People who are registered blind or severely sight impaired may qualify for a 50% reduction. Certain residents of qualifying residential care or sheltered accommodation may also be covered by a different licence arrangement.
These concessions have their own eligibility rules, so households should check the specific conditions rather than assuming that every older or disabled person automatically receives a free licence.
Do you need a TV Licence to watch television?
Age does not determine whether someone needs a TV Licence.
In general, a licence is required to watch or record live television programmes on any channel or service, including live online TV. A licence is also required to watch or stream programmes on BBC iPlayer.
Someone who only watches certain on-demand services and does not watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer may not need a TV Licence, depending on exactly what they watch.
What should older households do now?
People aged 60 and over should not assume that a new rule has made TV Licences free for everyone in their age group.
The simplest approach is to check your individual circumstances:
- If you are 75 or over and receive Pension Credit, check your eligibility for a free licence.
- If you are under 75, do not assume that age alone gives you a concession.
- If you are on a low income, check whether you could qualify for Pension Credit.
- If you are blind or severely sight impaired, check whether the 50% concession applies.
The bottom line
The claim that the UK Government has officially introduced a free TV Licence for everyone over 60 is not supported by the current rules.
In 2026, the free concession remains targeted at people aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit, including cases where their partner at the same address receives Pension Credit. The standard TV Licence fee is £180 a year from April 2026.
Therefore, an over-60 household should not stop paying for a TV Licence simply because of its age. Instead, check whether you qualify for the over-75 Pension Credit concession or another specific discount. For anyone approaching 75, checking Pension Credit eligibility in advance can also be worthwhile.
