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7 Essential Ways To Claim Your £174.50 TV Licence Refund: A Step-by-Step Guide For 2025

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The annual UK TV Licence fee is a mandatory cost for millions of households, but did you know thousands of people are eligible for a refund? With the standard colour licence fee currently set at £174.50, understanding the precise rules can put a significant sum of money back into your pocket. This comprehensive guide, updated for the current rules as of December 2025, breaks down the exact circumstances, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step process to claim your money back from TV Licensing.

The £174.50 fee came into effect on April 1, 2025, reflecting the latest price increase. For those whose circumstances have changed since purchasing their licence, a full or partial refund is often available, provided you meet the specific criteria, which generally requires at least one complete unused month remaining on your licence. This article details the seven most common and important reasons you can apply for a refund today.

Understanding the £174.50 TV Licence Fee and Refund Rules

The £174.50 figure represents the current cost of a standard colour TV Licence in the UK. A refund is essentially a reimbursement for the unused portion of the licence you have already paid for. TV Licensing calculates refunds based on complete, unused months remaining on your licence. The key rule for most applicants is simple: you must not need the licence again before it expires and you must have at least one full month left on it.

The application process is straightforward, but timing is crucial. You can apply for a refund up to 14 days before the date you no longer require the licence. This is particularly important if you are moving house or cancelling a Direct Debit.

7 Key Reasons You Are Eligible for a £174.50 TV Licence Refund

Eligibility for a refund typically falls into one of seven categories, covering changes in residency, viewing habits, or personal circumstances. If your situation matches any of the points below, you should apply immediately.

  1. Moving Abroad Permanently: If you leave the UK to live overseas and your licence will not be needed again before it expires, you are entitled to a refund for the unused months. This is one of the most common reasons for a full cancellation and refund.
  2. Switching to Streaming-Only Services: The TV Licence is only required to watch or record live TV on any channel, or to watch/download programmes on BBC iPlayer. If you switch entirely to on-demand streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or YouTube, and never watch live broadcasts or iPlayer, you can cancel and claim a refund.
  3. Moving into a Licensed Household: If you move to a new address that already has a valid TV Licence, or if your name is removed from a joint licence and you move to a property where you are not responsible for the new licence, you can claim a refund on your old licence.
  4. Students Returning Home: Students living away from home may be eligible for a refund for the summer months. If a student's parents have a valid licence, the student can claim a refund for the period their licence is not needed (typically June, July, and August), provided there are three full months left on the licence.
  5. Moving into a Care Home: For individuals moving into a residential care home, the licence is no longer required, making them eligible for a refund.
  6. Qualifying for an Over-75 Concession (Pension Credit): The rules for the over-75 licence changed, and now only those who are aged 75 or over and receive Pension Credit are eligible for a free licence. If you have recently turned 75 and successfully claimed Pension Credit, you can request a refund for any remaining months on your current paid licence. This concession is one of the few that allows a refund even if there is less than a complete month left.
  7. Qualifying for a Blind Concession: If you are severely sight-impaired (certified blind), you are eligible for a 50% concessionary licence. If you have paid the full fee and now qualify for this concession, you can apply for a partial refund for the overpaid amount. Like the over-75 rule, this refund can be issued for any unused period, even if less than a month.

The Step-by-Step TV Licence Refund Application Process

Claiming your refund is a simple process that can be completed online or over the phone. To ensure a smooth application, have your TV Licence number, the date you need the licence to end, and your bank details ready.

1. Check Your Eligibility and End Date

First, confirm that you meet one of the eligibility criteria listed above and determine the exact date you stopped (or will stop) needing the licence. Remember, you must apply no later than 14 days before this end date.

2. Gather Required Information

You will need the following details to complete the application:

  • Your current TV Licence number.
  • The date you want the licence to end (the date you stopped needing it).
  • Proof of your new circumstances (e.g., proof of moving abroad, or proof of Pension Credit for the over-75 concession).
  • Your bank account details for the refund payment.

3. Choose Your Application Method

TV Licensing offers several convenient ways to apply for a refund:

  • Online Form: The quickest method is to use the official TV Licensing cancellation and refund form on their website. Select "I no longer need a TV licence" and follow the on-screen prompts.
  • By Phone: You can call the dedicated TV Licensing telephone number. If you pay by Direct Debit or in one go, you can call the main enquiry line. If you pay with a TV Licensing payment card (cash plan), a separate number is provided.

4. Processing and Payment

Once your application is submitted, TV Licensing will process the request. They will verify your details and calculate the refund amount based on the number of complete, unused months remaining on your licence. The refund is typically paid directly into your bank account. The process usually takes a few weeks from the date of application to receiving the funds.

Important Concessions and Avoiding Scams

While the standard refund amount is calculated based on the £174.50 annual fee, it is important to be aware of special circumstances and potential risks.

Concessions for Blind and Over-75 Pension Credit Holders

The rules for these two groups are more flexible. As mentioned, a refund for the blind concession (50% off) or the over-75 Pension Credit free licence can be claimed for any unused period, even if it is less than a month. This is an important distinction from the standard rules and ensures that those who qualify receive their full entitlement immediately.

Beware of Fake Refund Emails

A significant risk when dealing with TV Licence refunds is the prevalence of phishing scams. Fraudsters often send out fake emails claiming to be from "TV Licensing" and offering a refund, often asking the recipient to click a link to "claim" the money. This link is designed to steal personal and financial details. Always remember: TV Licensing will never email you to ask for your bank details or personal information to process a refund. If you receive such an email, do not click any links and report it immediately. Only use the official website or phone numbers provided in this guide.

By understanding the current £174.50 fee structure and following the official guidance, you can confidently navigate the TV Licence cancellation process and successfully claim the refund you are entitled to.

7 Essential Ways to Claim Your £174.50 TV Licence Refund: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
tv licence 174 50 refund
tv licence 174 50 refund

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