If you’re on Pension Credit, the government actually covers your TV licence. It’s not a secret, but it feels like one. Why doesn’t everyone know this? Maybe because the official website reads like a tax form from 1985.
But here’s the kicker: if you’re on other benefits—like Universal Credit, JSA, or ESA—you don’t automatically get a free pass. Nope. Only the over-75s on Pension Credit qualify. Sorry, young families. You’re still paying for Love Island and the news.
Wait—what about people under 75 on benefits?
The short answer is: you’re out of luck. Unless you live with someone over 75 who gets Pension Credit. Then the whole household is covered. It’s a weird loophole, but it exists. Cheeky, isn’t it?
I know, I know—it feels unfair. Why should your age determine your access to TV? Blame the policy. In 2026, the government decided to scrap universal free licences for all over-75s. Now only the poorest pensioners get it.
And let’s be real: £159 a year is a lot when you’re scraping by. That’s a week’s food for some people. Or a bus pass for a month. But hey, the BBC needs their funding, right? Eye roll.
Free TV licence ruled out for benefit claimants - but they could still
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