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5 Key Ways UK Households Can Claim A TV Licence £174.50 Refund In 2025

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The annual UK TV Licence fee stands at £174.50 as of April 2025, following the latest increase, making it more important than ever for households to ensure they are not paying for a service they no longer require. While the licence is mandatory for watching or recording live television and using the BBC iPlayer, thousands of people are entitled to a full or partial refund of this amount every year.

The good news is that claiming your money back is a straightforward process, provided you meet the specific eligibility criteria set by TV Licensing. This detailed guide breaks down the most common and current scenarios where you can successfully apply for a refund, ensuring you don't overpay for the colour licence in 2025.

The £174.50 Fee: What Every UK Household Needs to Know

The standard colour TV Licence fee is currently set at £174.50, an amount that came into effect on April 1, 2025. This fee covers all individuals living at a single address, regardless of the number of devices used to watch or record live TV broadcasts or stream content on the BBC iPlayer. The black and white licence remains significantly cheaper, costing £58.50.

Understanding the current fee is the first step, as any refund you receive will be calculated based on the unused portion of this annual payment. The core rule for all refund applications is that you must have at least one complete month left on your licence before it expires, and you must confirm that you will not need the licence again before its expiry date.

General Eligibility for a Refund

The primary reason for a refund is that you no longer require a licence. This could be because you have stopped watching live television or using BBC iPlayer, or because you are moving to a location where a licence is not needed or is already in place. The refund amount is calculated on a pro-rata basis, meaning you get back the cost for every full, unused month remaining on your licence.

5 Key Ways to Claim Your TV Licence Refund

While the general rule is simple, there are several specific life events that commonly trigger eligibility for a full or partial refund. Knowing these scenarios can help ensure your application is processed quickly and correctly.

  1. Moving to an Address Already Covered by a Licence: If you move into a new home that already has a valid TV Licence, you are entitled to a refund for the unused months on your old licence. This is common when moving in with a spouse, partner, or family member who is already the licence holder at the new address.
  2. Students Moving Out for the Summer: Students often only require a licence for the academic year, which is less than 12 months. If you are moving out of your student accommodation for the summer and the licence is in your name, you can claim a refund for the months you are away, provided your licence is not needed at your home address (if you return to your parents' address, for example). TV Licensing actively encourages students to claim this refund.
  3. Moving Abroad Permanently: If you are emigrating or moving overseas and will no longer reside at the licensed address, you can apply for a full refund. You can submit your refund request up to two weeks before your official move date. This process automatically cancels your UK licence.
  4. Bereavement (Death of a Licence Holder): If the licence holder has passed away, their estate can claim a refund for any unused full months remaining on the licence. The surviving family member or executor should contact TV Licensing to notify them of the bereavement and begin the refund process. You can still apply for a refund even if you cannot locate the original licence number.
  5. Qualifying for a Concession: Certain groups are entitled to a discounted or free licence, which can result in a refund if they have paid the full fee.
    • Blind Concession: If you are registered as severely sight impaired (blind), you are entitled to a 50% concession on the full licence fee. You can apply for a refund for any length of time left on your licence, even if it is less than one complete month.
    • Over 75 and on Pension Credit: Individuals aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit are entitled to a free TV Licence. If you have paid for a licence and subsequently qualify for Pension Credit, you can apply for a refund for the period you were eligible.

Step-by-Step: How to Process Your £174.50 Refund Application

The process for claiming a refund is primarily handled through the official TV Licensing website, which offers a dedicated online application form. Completing this form is the fastest and most efficient way to submit your claim.

The Online Application Process

To apply for your refund online, you will need to follow a few simple steps:

  • Visit the Official Website: Navigate to the dedicated refund page on the TV Licensing website. Avoid third-party sites to ensure your data is secure.
  • Check Eligibility: The online tool will first ask you to confirm that you meet the core requirements, such as no longer needing the licence and having at least one full month remaining.
  • Provide Details: You will need your TV Licence number, your name, and the address of the property.
  • State Your Reason: Select the reason for your cancellation (e.g., moving abroad, student moving out, no longer watching live TV).
  • Choose Payment Method: Refunds are typically issued by BACS (direct transfer to a bank account) or by cheque. BACS is generally the quickest option.

Processing Time and Payment

TV Licensing aims to process and issue all refunds within 21 days of receiving a complete and approved application. If you opt for a BACS payment, the money should appear in your bank account shortly after the 21-day processing period.

If you prefer to apply by post or need assistance with a complex case, such as a bereavement claim, you can download a paper form or call the TV Licensing contact number for advice. For bereavement cases, a dedicated phone line is available to help manage the deceased person's licence.

Final Thoughts on the TV Licence Refund

The £174.50 TV Licence fee is a significant annual expense for UK households. By staying informed about the latest rules and eligibility criteria for 2025, you can ensure you only pay for the months you genuinely need coverage. Whether you are a student packing up for the summer, an individual moving abroad, or managing the affairs of a deceased relative, checking your eligibility for a refund is a simple financial move that can save you a substantial amount of money.

Always use the official TV Licensing channels for all applications and correspondence to protect yourself from scams and ensure your refund is processed efficiently.

5 Key Ways UK Households Can Claim a TV Licence £174.50 Refund in 2025
tv licence 174 50 refund
tv licence 174 50 refund

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