£174.50 TV Licence Refund: Check NOW If You’re on the TV Licence Refund List!

With the TV licence fee in the UK rising to £174.50 per year from April 2024, many families are wondering if they still need to pay it. As the cost of living remains high, checking whether you really need a TV licence—and if you’re eligible for a refund—could save you money.

A recent survey by Viva Money found that 43% of UK adults don’t clearly understand what the TV licence covers. So, let’s break it down simply.

When Do You Need a TV Licence?

In the UK, a TV licence is legally required if you:

• Watch or record live TV on any channel
• Use BBC iPlayer (for live, catch-up, or on-demand shows)

This applies to all devices – whether you’re watching on a TV, phone, laptop, or tablet.

Even some live streams on services like ITVX, All 4, Amazon Prime Video, Sky Go, or Now TV may need a licence if you’re watching them live.

But here’s the important part: you do not need a licence if you only use on-demand platforms like Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube, as long as you don’t watch anything live.

Can You Cancel Your TV Licence?

Yes, you can cancel your TV licence if no one in your household watches live TV or uses BBC iPlayer. But you must be sure—if anyone still watches something that needs a licence, you could face a fine of up to £1,000 in the UK, £2,000 in Guernsey, and £500 in Jersey.

To cancel, go to the TV Licensing website and fill out the refund and cancellation form. An inspector may visit your home to check whether a licence is still needed. About 1 in 5 checks show that households still need a licence, so be careful and honest in your application.

Who Can Get a TV Licence Refund?

You can get a refund if:

• You have at least one full month left on your licence
• You no longer need the licence before it expires

You might also qualify if:

• You’re no longer using a TV or similar device
• Another licence already covers your address
• You bought the licence by mistake
• The licence holder passed away
• The person has moved abroad
• A blind or free concession licence is now in place

Refunds are paid based on unused full months left on your licence. You can apply up to 14 days before you stop needing the licence, and even up to 2 years after expiry in some cases.

How to Apply for a Refund

To apply:

1. Visit the TV Licensing refund request page
2. Fill out the online form
3. Submit any proof or documents needed
4. Your refund will be paid by cheque or bank transfer

You can also log into your TV Licensing account online to check your licence’s expiry date.

Discounts and Concessions

Some people may be able to get a 50% discount or even free TV licences. This includes:

• People aged over 75
• Those who are blind or severely sight impaired
• People on certain benefits or low income

Visit the official website to see if you qualify.

With the cost of the annual TV licence now at £174.50, it’s smart to check if your household still needs one. If you’re only using Netflix, YouTube, or other on-demand services (excluding BBC iPlayer), you may no longer require it and might be eligible for a refund. But remember, watching even a single live broadcast without a licence could result in a heavy fine. Always be sure before cancelling, and apply for your refund the right way. It’s a small step that could save you money during tough times.

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