August 30th 2024.
As the cost of living crisis continues to bite, many households are looking for ways to save money. One area that often comes under scrutiny is the TV licence fee. While it is legally required if you watch live television or use the BBC iPlayer, there are ways to reduce the cost in a legitimate manner.
As we all try to tighten our belts and cut back on non-essential expenses like dining out, it can be tempting to try and find a way out of paying for the TV licence. After all, the fee rose to £169.50 per year in April, which is equivalent to about £14 per month. With the rise of online streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, more and more people are moving away from scheduled television and watching what they want, when they want.
If you only use streaming sites, watch YouTube videos, and never watch live television or use BBC iPlayer, you can let TV Licensing know that you are exempt from paying the fee. You can also cancel your TV licence online if you do not own a television or only use it under circumstances that do not require a licence.
State pensioners over the age of 74 who receive pension credit are eligible for a free TV licence. Additionally, if you live in a residential care home, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation, you may be able to reduce your TV licence bill. Retired individuals over the age of 60 or those with disabilities can also get a discounted rate of £7.50.
For those who are blind or severely sight impaired, there is a 50% discount available on the TV licence bill with valid medical evidence. Students also have the opportunity to save money on their TV licence. As long as their out-of-term address is covered by a TV licence, they only use TV-receiving equipment with its own internal batteries, and they do not watch TV on a device that is connected to an aerial or plugged into the mains, they do not need to pay for their own licence. This means that students can use BBC iPlayer or watch live television on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop without charging it, as long as their parents' address is their home outside of term time.
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