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7 Essential Steps To Claim Your £174.50 TV Licence Refund Or Exemption

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The annual cost of a standard colour TV Licence has officially risen to £174.50 as of April 1, 2025, a significant increase from the previous £169.50 fee. This new figure has prompted many UK households to re-evaluate whether they still need a licence, leading to a surge in questions about how to claim a full or partial refund of the £174.50 payment. This guide, updated for December 2025, breaks down the precise criteria, the official process, and the specific circumstances under which you can successfully cancel your licence and get your money back.

The good news is that claiming a refund is a standard, straightforward process managed by TV Licensing, but it is strictly governed by their rules. To qualify for a refund, you must be able to prove that you no longer need the licence before it expires, and crucially, you must have at least one complete unused month remaining on your licence. Understanding the eligibility window and the reasons for cancellation is key to unlocking your potential refund.

Who is Eligible for a £174.50 TV Licence Refund?

A full refund of the £174.50 fee is rare and typically only applies to a small number of specific scenarios, such as a recent death or a short-term licence that was not fully used. More commonly, people qualify for a partial refund. The eligibility rules are clear and non-negotiable, focusing on whether you genuinely need to use the licence again before its expiry date.

You may be eligible to claim a full or partial refund if any of the following circumstances apply to you:

  • You have moved to a new address that already has a valid TV Licence. This often happens when moving into a shared house or a care home.
  • You are moving abroad permanently. You must be leaving the UK before the licence expires and not returning.
  • You will not need a licence again before it expires and have at least one complete month left. For example, if you sell your television and stop all forms of licensable viewing, and your licence has more than a month to run.
  • You bought a licence that you did not need. This is common if you purchased a licence but only watch on-demand services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or catch-up services *not* via BBC iPlayer.
  • You are a student and your licence covers your parents’ address. Students may be eligible for a refund for the last three months of their licence if they are moving home for the summer.
  • The licence holder has passed away. A full refund for any unused period can be claimed by the executor or administrator of the estate.

The refund amount is calculated in full calendar months. If you have 7 months and 10 days left on your licence, you will be refunded for 7 full months. This rule is applied consistently by TV Licensing.

The Official 7-Step Process to Claim Your Refund

Claiming your refund for the £174.50 licence fee is primarily done through the official TV Licensing website. The process is designed to confirm your eligibility and prevent fraudulent claims. Following these steps will ensure your application is processed efficiently.

  1. Check Your Eligibility Window: Confirm that your licence has at least one full unused month remaining. You cannot apply for a refund more than 14 days before the date you stop needing the licence.
  2. Gather Your Details: You will need your TV Licence number, the name and address on the licence, and the exact date from which you no longer require the licence.
  3. Visit the Official TV Licensing Website: The easiest way to apply is via the dedicated refund page on the TV Licensing website. Avoid third-party services.
  4. Complete the Declaration: You must complete an official declaration confirming that you no longer watch or record live television broadcasts on any channel, or download or watch programmes on BBC iPlayer. Making a false declaration is a serious offence.
  5. Select Your Refund Method: TV Licensing offers two primary methods for payment: a cheque sent to the licence holder's address or a direct bank transfer (BACS) into a UK bank account. The BACS option is generally the fastest.
  6. Submit the Application: Once all details are verified and the declaration is made, submit the form. You should receive a confirmation email.
  7. Wait for Processing: TV Licensing aims to process and issue refunds within 21 days of receiving your completed application. If you choose the BACS option, the money typically reaches your account shortly after processing.

Key Exemptions and Discounts on the £174.50 Fee

While a refund is for an existing licence, many people can avoid paying the full £174.50 fee entirely by qualifying for an exemption or a significant discount. These schemes are critical for vulnerable groups and those with specific viewing needs.

The Over-75s Free Licence

The most significant change in recent years has been the shift in the Over-75s free licence scheme. Since August 2020, only households where one person receives Pension Credit are eligible for a free TV Licence. If you are over 75 and receive Pension Credit, you can apply for a free licence and may be entitled to a refund for any full £174.50 licence payments made since your eligibility began. You can apply for this through the TV Licensing website or by calling their dedicated helpline.

Blind Persons Discount

If you are certified as severely sight impaired (blind), you are eligible for a 50% concession on the annual fee. The current discounted rate is £87.25 (half of £174.50). This discount also applies to a household where the licence holder is not the blind person, but the blind person lives there. You must provide a copy of a document certifying your severe sight impairment, such as a CVI (Certificate of Vision Impairment) or a BD8 form, to claim this discount.

Black and White Licence Discount

Although rare, if you only use a black and white television set, the annual fee is significantly lower, currently standing at £58.50. If you mistakenly purchased a colour licence for £174.50 while only owning a black and white TV, you would be due a substantial refund.

Short-Term Licences

If you only need a licence for a short period—for instance, if you are a student or only watch live TV during the summer holidays—you can purchase a short-term licence. While this doesn't offer a refund on the £174.50 fee, it prevents you from overpaying in the first place. These licences are typically available for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, and are often used by students who only need cover for the academic year.

Avoiding Future Payments: The Crucial 'No Licence Needed' Declaration

The single most common reason for claiming a refund on the £174.50 fee is that the household has stopped watching licensable content. It is vital to understand what the law requires a licence for.

A TV Licence is required to:

  • Watch or record programmes as they are being shown on TV (live broadcasting), regardless of the channel or device (including Sky, Virgin, Freeview, etc.).
  • Download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer (live, catch-up, or on-demand).

A TV Licence is not required if you only use your television or device to watch services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, or catch-up services from other providers (like ITVX, Channel 4, My5) *without* ever accessing BBC iPlayer or watching live TV.

If you stop all licensable activity, you must notify TV Licensing by completing a 'No Licence Needed' declaration. This declaration is necessary to stop future payment reminders and potential enforcement action. If your declaration is accepted, you will not need to pay the £174.50 fee again until your circumstances change. This declaration is a key part of the refund process, as it confirms your eligibility to cancel your existing licence.

For any complex queries, the TV Licensing telephone helpline (0300 790 6071) and the GOV.UK website remain the most reliable sources of official information regarding the £174.50 licence fee, refunds, and exemptions.

7 Essential Steps to Claim Your £174.50 TV Licence Refund or Exemption
tv licence 174 50 refund
tv licence 174 50 refund

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