Your BBC TV Licence fee could be refunded for three reasons - what you need to know

Man watching TV

There are certain circumstances in which you can get TV Licence refund (Image: Getty)

There are three circumstances where you might be entitled to a refund for a yearly charge. The BBC TV Licence currently costs £174.50.

Since being established in 1946, the BBC TV Licence has remained a regular outgoing for numerous UK homes.

At that time, the BBC was the sole broadcaster in Britain and the licence fee was £2 - roughly equivalent to around £105 in today's money.

Despite dramatic shifts in how we consume television, including the emergence of countless channels, streaming platforms and catch-up services, this yearly payment continues.

Even if you never tune into BBC channels, many homes still require a licence.

Woman watching TV

If you're eligible for an over 75 concession you may be able to get a refund on your TV licence fee (Image: Getty)

For example, you must have a licence to:

Watch or record programmes whilst they're being transmitted live on any television channel
Watch live programmes on any online TV service - such as Channel 4, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video

You also require a licence to download or view any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer.

Nevertheless, certain groups are excused from paying for the licence, and in some circumstances, you may even be able to request a refund.

According to the TV Licensing website, there are three scenarios where you can seek a refund.

"You can apply for a refund if you won't need your licence again before it expires, and you have at least one complete month left on it," it states.

"If you're eligible for an over 75 or blind concession, you can apply for a refund at any time and for any length of time left on your licence."

You can apply for a TV Licence refund up to 14 days before the date you no longer need it.

Over 75 concession

To be eligible for the over 75 concession, you must be 75 or older and either:

Receive Pension Credit
Live with a partner who receives Pension Credit

If you're currently receiving Pension Credit, you can apply for a free TV licence when you turn 74. However, you'll have to continue paying for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday.

Blind concession

If you're registered as blind, severely sight impaired, or live with someone who is, you can get a 50% discount. The licence must be in the name of the blind person - if it's not, a new application can be made to transfer it into their name.

When applying, you'll need to provide your existing TV Licence number. You are also eligible for a discount if you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation.

If you reside in a qualifying residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation, you can get a TV Licence for £7.50.

To qualify, you must also be either: