DWP Pension Credit TV Licence: Free Licence Claim Update

Last checked: 7 July 2026

If you are aged 75 or over and you receive Pension Credit, you can usually get a free TV Licence. You may also qualify if you live with your partner and they receive Pension Credit.

However, State Pension alone does not automatically qualify you for a free TV Licence, so it is important to check whether you or your partner receive Pension Credit before applying.

The DWP Pension Credit TV Licence rule is one of the most important concessions for older people on a low income in the UK.

With the annual colour TV Licence costing £180 from 1 April 2026, the saving can make a real difference to pensioners who are trying to manage household bills carefully.

The key point is simple, the free licence is linked to both age and Pension Credit, not just retirement or State Pension age.

This guide explains who qualifies, how the rule works, what Pension Credit has to do with your TV Licence, how to apply, and which common claims you should treat carefully.

What Does DWP Pension Credit TV Licence Mean?

“DWP Pension Credit TV Licence” refers to the connection between Pension Credit, a benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions, and the free TV Licence concession for eligible people aged 75 or over.

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who are on a low income. It can top up your weekly income and may also open the door to other help, such as support with housing costs, Council Tax, NHS costs and, for those aged 75 or over, a free TV Licence.

The TV Licence itself is not paid directly by DWP into your bank account. Instead, Pension Credit can act as the qualifying benefit that allows you to apply for a free licence through TV Licensing. This distinction matters because some people assume that receiving the State Pension alone is enough. It is not.

Who Can Get a Free TV Licence With Pension Credit?

You can get a free TV Licence if you are aged 75 or over and you either receive Pension Credit yourself or live with your partner who receives Pension Credit. The official free or discounted TV Licence rules also state that the licence covers everyone living at the same address.

This means the main qualifying conditions are:

Situation	Free TV Licence position	What you should check
You are 75 or over and receive Pension Credit	You can usually apply for a free TV Licence	Check your Pension Credit award and apply through TV Licensing
You are 75 or over and your partner receives Pension Credit	You may qualify	Check that you live at the same address
You receive State Pension only	Not automatically eligible	Check whether you could claim Pension Credit
You are 74 and already receive Pension Credit	You can apply early in some cases	You may still need to pay until just before your 75th birthday
You are registered blind or severely sight impaired	A 50% discount may apply	The licence usually needs to be in the blind person’s name
You live in eligible residential care or sheltered accommodation	A reduced fee may apply	Your housing manager usually checks eligibility

The most common misunderstanding is that all pensioners get a free TV Licence. That is no longer the general rule. The current concession is targeted at people aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit, or who live with a partner who receives it.

Is Pension Credit the Same as the State Pension?

No. Pension Credit and the State Pension are different.

Pension Credit is a separate benefit from the State Pension, and it can top up your weekly income if you are over State Pension age and on a low income, according to the current Pension Credit guidance.

The State Pension is based mainly on your National Insurance record. Pension Credit is a separate benefit designed to support people over State Pension age who have a low income. You may receive the State Pension and still be able to claim Pension Credit if your income is low enough and you meet the eligibility rules.

This is why some older people miss out. They may think, “I already get my pension, so I cannot get anything else.” In reality, Pension Credit is specifically designed to top up income for eligible pensioners, and it can also unlock additional support.

GOV.UK explains that Pension Credit can top up weekly income and that people who receive it may also be eligible to apply for a free TV Licence if they are aged 75 or over.

How Much Could a Free TV Licence Save You in 2026?

From 1 April 2026, the annual colour TV Licence fee increased to £180, as confirmed in the government’s TV Licence fee update. The government confirmed the increase for 2026/27 while also stating that free licences remain available for over-75s on Pension Credit.

For someone on a tight pensioner budget, £180 is not a small amount. It may represent several weeks of food shopping, a contribution towards winter bills, or breathing space when other household costs rise.

The financial value is one reason why checking Pension Credit eligibility can be worthwhile. Even a small Pension Credit award may help you access wider support. For many households, the free TV Licence is only one part of a broader package of help.

How to Apply for a Free TV Licence?

If you qualify, you usually apply through TV Licensing rather than directly through DWP.

Before applying, it is useful to have the following details ready:

• Your current TV Licence number, if you already have one
• Your National Insurance number
• Evidence or details of your Pension Credit award
• Your date of birth
• Your address details
• Your partner’s details, if their Pension Credit is the qualifying benefit

You may be able to apply online or by phone. If you already pay for a licence and later become eligible for a free one, TV Licensing may be able to adjust your licence position. Your exact situation can depend on when you became eligible, when you paid, and whether your Pension Credit award has been confirmed.

If you are unsure, it is better to check directly before cancelling payments. Do not assume your licence will update automatically just because you receive Pension Credit.

Can You Apply Before You Turn 75?

Yes, in some cases you can apply when you are 74 if you already receive Pension Credit. However, free cover does not usually begin immediately. You may still need to pay for your TV Licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday.

This is an important detail because applying early does not mean your licence becomes free straight away. It simply helps prepare your entitlement so the free licence can begin at the correct time.

For example, if you are 74, receive Pension Credit, and your 75th birthday is coming up, you may be able to start the application process early. But if you still need a licence before your free cover begins, you should continue to follow TV Licensing rules.

Does Your Partner’s Pension Credit Count?

Yes, your partner’s Pension Credit can count if you live with them and one of you is aged 75 or over. This can help couples where one person receives Pension Credit and the other is the main TV Licence holder.

The key point is the household address. The free licence covers everyone living at the same address once the qualifying licence is in place. If your living arrangement is more complex, such as separate addresses, residential care, or supported housing, you should check the specific rules before applying.

What If You Receive State Pension but Not Pension Credit?

If you receive the State Pension but not Pension Credit, you do not automatically qualify for a free TV Licence under the over-75 concession.

However, you should still consider checking whether you are eligible for Pension Credit. Some people assume they cannot claim because they have savings, a small private pension, or own their home. That is not always correct. Pension Credit eligibility depends on your income, circumstances, partner status, and other factors.

You may still qualify even if you receive other income. The only safe approach is to check using official guidance or a benefits calculator, or to speak to a qualified adviser.

Other TV Licence Discounts to Know About

Although this guide focuses on Pension Credit and over-75 free licences, there are other TV Licence concessions.

If you are registered blind or severely sight impaired, you may be able to get a 50% discount. The licence generally needs to be in the blind person’s name. If it is not, you may need to transfer it.

If you live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing, or sheltered accommodation, you may be able to get a reduced-fee licence. In these cases, the housing manager often checks eligibility and applies on behalf of residents.

These discounts are separate from the Pension Credit rule. You should not assume that one concession automatically means you qualify for another.

Common Myths About DWP Pension Credit and TV Licences

Myth 1: All pensioners get a free TV Licence

This is false. The free TV Licence is not available to every pensioner. It is mainly for people aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit, or who live with a partner who receives Pension Credit.

Myth 2: State Pension automatically qualifies you

This is also false. State Pension and Pension Credit are different. You can receive the State Pension without receiving Pension Credit.

Myth 3: DWP pays your TV Licence directly

DWP does not usually pay your TV Licence as a separate cash payment to you. Pension Credit is the qualifying benefit. The free licence is handled through TV Licensing.

Myth 4: You never need to apply

You should not assume the free licence will appear automatically. In most cases, you need to apply and provide the correct details.

Myth 5: Pension Credit is only for people with no savings

This is misleading. Savings and income can affect entitlement, but having savings does not automatically mean you cannot receive Pension Credit. Eligibility depends on your full circumstances.

Real-Life Example

Margaret is 76 and lives alone in England. She receives the State Pension and a small amount of Pension Credit. Because she is over 75 and receives Pension Credit, she may qualify for a free TV Licence.

Margaret should not simply cancel her TV Licence payment herself. Instead, she should apply through TV Licensing and provide the details requested. Once her free licence is confirmed, it should cover her address.

Now consider David and Anne. David is 76 and Anne is 73. Anne receives Pension Credit, and they live together at the same address. Even though David does not receive Pension Credit himself, the household may still qualify because he lives with his partner who receives it.

These examples show why it is important to check the household rule rather than looking only at the name of the person who pays for the licence.

What Should You Do Next?

First, check whether you or your partner already receive Pension Credit. If you do, and one of you is aged 75 or over, check your free TV Licence eligibility through TV Licensing.

Second, if you are over State Pension age and on a low income but do not receive Pension Credit, consider checking whether you could claim. Even a small award may unlock extra help.

Third, gather your details before applying. This can make the process smoother and reduce the chance of delays.

Fourth, be careful with news headlines. Some articles may correctly highlight the £180 saving, but the details matter. The free TV Licence is not for all pensioners, and it is not based on State Pension alone.

Finally, keep your circumstances updated. If your Pension Credit stops, your living arrangements change, or your partner’s circumstances change, your TV Licence entitlement may also be affected.

Key Takeaways

The DWP Pension Credit TV Licence rule can help eligible pensioners aged 75 or over save the full annual cost of a colour TV Licence.

You usually qualify if you are 75 or over and receive Pension Credit, or if you live with your partner who receives Pension Credit. State Pension alone does not automatically give you a free TV Licence. The licence can cover everyone living at your address once your free licence is confirmed.

You should apply through TV Licensing and avoid cancelling payments until your position is clear. Checking Pension Credit eligibility may be worthwhile because it can unlock other forms of help as well as the TV Licence concession.

Conclusion

The DWP Pension Credit TV Licence rule is straightforward once you separate it from the wider State Pension system. If you are aged 75 or over and you receive Pension Credit, or your partner receives Pension Credit and lives with you, you may be able to get a free TV Licence.

The most important thing is not to assume. Not every pensioner qualifies, and State Pension alone is not enough. Check whether you receive Pension Credit, confirm your age and household position, and apply through TV Licensing using the correct details.

For older people on a low income, this concession can provide a meaningful saving. It is also a useful reminder that Pension Credit may unlock wider support, so checking your entitlement can be a practical step even if you are unsure whether you qualify.

FAQs

Do I have to pay for a TV Licence if I get Pension Credit?

You may not have to pay if you are aged 75 or over and you receive Pension Credit, or your partner receives it at the same address. If you are under 75, Pension Credit alone does not usually give you a free TV Licence.

What is TV Licence Pension Credit eligibility?

TV Licence Pension Credit eligibility usually means you must be aged 75 or over and either receive Pension Credit yourself or live with a partner who receives it. State Pension alone does not automatically qualify you for a free TV Licence.

Where can I find the TV Licence Pension Credit application form?

You can apply for a free TV Licence through TV Licensing if you meet the age and Pension Credit rules. Before applying, have your personal details, address, date of birth and Pension Credit information ready.

What proof do I need for a TV Licence Pension Credit claim?

You may need to provide details that confirm your Pension Credit entitlement, such as your National Insurance number or benefit information. TV Licensing may check your details before confirming your free licence.

What is the TV Licence Pension Credit phone number?

You can contact TV Licensing about a free over-75 TV Licence on 0300 790 6071. Minicom users can use 0300 709 6050, and you should check call charges before phoning.

Is Pension Credit only for people with no savings?

No. Savings can affect Pension Credit, but having savings does not automatically exclude you. Your eligibility depends on your income, savings, partner status and wider circumstances.

Does the free TV Licence cover everyone in my home?

Yes, once a qualifying free licence is in place, it can cover everyone living at the same address. This is why the household rule is important for couples and shared homes.

Editorial Note

This article is for general information only and is not financial or benefits advice. TV Licence and Pension Credit rules can depend on your personal circumstances, including your age, household, partner status, benefit entitlement and where you live in the UK. You should check official guidance or speak to a qualified adviser before making decisions about your licence or benefit claims.

How We Checked This?

This guide was checked against current official UK guidance on free and discounted TV Licences, Pension Credit entitlement information, and the 2026/27 TV Licence fee update. We prioritised official sources over news reports because this topic affects household costs and benefit-related decisions.