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5 Key Ways To Claim A Full Or Partial £174.50 TV Licence Refund In 2025

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As of today, December 20, 2025, the standard annual colour TV Licence fee stands at £174.50, following the latest increase that took effect on April 1, 2025. This new price point has prompted thousands of households across the UK to scrutinise their payments, with many discovering they are, in fact, eligible to claim a full or partial refund for the annual charge. The key to getting your money back isn't a single, new government scheme, but rather a set of established, often-overlooked rules for cancellation and concession eligibility.

The £174.50 refund is not a myth; it is the total amount you can potentially claim back if you paid for a full year but no longer require the licence. Understanding the specific circumstances that qualify you for a refund—whether you’ve stopped watching live TV, moved house, or become eligible for a concession—is essential for recovering your money. This comprehensive guide breaks down the five primary scenarios where you can successfully claim back a significant portion of the current annual fee.

Understanding the New £174.50 TV Licence Fee and Refund Context

The TV Licence is a legal requirement for anyone in the UK who watches or records programmes as they're being broadcast on TV, or who downloads or watches BBC programmes on demand, including via BBC iPlayer. The fee is set by the government and is used to fund the BBC’s radio, TV, and online services. The increase to £174.50 from the previous £169.50 was implemented in April 2025, aligning with inflation.

While the increase means a higher cost for most, it also means a larger potential refund for those who cancel early. A full refund of £174.50 is only possible if you paid for a full licence but then cancelled it before the start date, or if you apply for a concession (like the blind concession) that covers the entire period. For most people, the refund will be a proportional amount based on the number of complete, unused months left on the licence.

It is crucial to remember that you must have at least one complete month left on your licence to qualify for a standard refund. If you only have a few days or weeks remaining, you may not be eligible, unless you are claiming a concession.

The 5 Primary Reasons You Can Claim a £174.50 TV Licence Refund

The path to claiming your money back depends entirely on your current circumstances. Here are the five most common and legitimate reasons that make you eligible to claim a full or partial refund of the £174.50 fee.

1. You No Longer Need a Licence (The Most Common Reason)

This is the most frequent reason for a refund. You are eligible if you stop watching or recording live television broadcasts on any channel, and if you stop using BBC iPlayer to watch or download any BBC programmes on demand. This applies to all devices, including TVs, computers, tablets, and phones.

  • Moving to Streaming: If you switch entirely to on-demand services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or YouTube (excluding live channels), and stop using BBC iPlayer, you no longer require a licence.
  • Selling Your TV: If you sell or dispose of your television and all other devices capable of receiving live TV signals or BBC iPlayer.
  • The Refund Rule: You must confirm that you have not needed a licence for at least one complete month, and you must have at least one complete month remaining on your current licence.

2. Moving to an Address That Already Has a Licence

If you move house and the new address is already covered by a valid TV Licence, you may be able to claim a refund on your old licence. This situation often arises when moving in with a partner or spouse whose name is already on a licence.

  • Spouse/Partner Coverage: If the licence holder at your new address is your spouse, partner, or a close relative, you can apply for a refund for the unused time on your previous licence.
  • Student Accommodation: This is particularly relevant for students moving into shared accommodation where the landlord or another tenant has already purchased a licence for the communal area.

3. Moving Abroad Permanently

If you are leaving the UK permanently, you are entitled to a refund for any complete unused months remaining on your TV Licence. The refund is calculated from the date you leave the country. This is a straightforward claim, provided you can confirm your departure date.

  • Proof of Departure: While specific proof may not always be required upfront, it is advisable to keep documentation (such as flight or shipping receipts) in case TV Licensing requests verification.
  • The Calculation: The refund will be the full £174.50 minus the cost of the licence for the months you used it.

4. Death of the Licence Holder

In the unfortunate event that the licence holder passes away, a full refund can be claimed for any unused time remaining on the licence. The refund can be claimed by a surviving spouse, partner, or the executor of the estate.

  • Spouse/Partner Concession: If a surviving spouse or partner remains at the address, they may be able to transfer the licence or apply for a refund and then purchase a new one, potentially at a reduced rate if they are eligible for other concessions.
  • Full Address Vacancy: If the property is left empty, a full refund for the remaining months is due to the estate.

5. Becoming Eligible for a Concessionary Licence

If you become eligible for a concessionary licence during the period your full £174.50 licence is valid, you can apply for a refund for the period you were overpaying. There are two main concessionary licences:

  • Over-75 on Pension Credit: If you or your partner are aged 75 or over and receive Pension Credit, you are entitled to a free TV Licence. If you meet this criteria, you can claim a refund for the time your full licence was active after your eligibility began.
  • Blind (Severely Sight Impaired) Concession: If you are certified as severely sight impaired, you are entitled to a 50% reduction on the standard fee, meaning your licence would only cost £87.25 (half of £174.50). You can claim a refund for the 50% you overpaid since the date your concession began.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Claim Your Refund on the £174.50 Fee

The process for claiming a refund is managed directly through TV Licensing. It is designed to be straightforward, but you must have your licence details ready.

1. Check Your Eligibility and Licence Status

Before starting, confirm that you meet one of the five eligibility criteria listed above and that your licence has at least one complete month remaining (unless you are claiming a concession). You will need your TV Licence number, which is a 10-digit number found on your payment schedule or licence document.

2. Complete the Online Refund Form

The quickest way to apply is by using the official TV Licensing online refund application form. The form will ask you to provide:

  • Your TV Licence number.
  • The date from which you no longer needed the licence (e.g., the date you moved out or stopped watching live TV).
  • Your reason for the refund (e.g., moving abroad, no longer watching live TV).
  • Your bank details for the refund payment.

3. Cancellation Confirmation

If your refund is based on no longer needing the licence, submitting the form also acts as your declaration that you will not watch or record live TV or use BBC iPlayer going forward. TV Licensing may arrange a visit to confirm this information, so ensure you genuinely meet the criteria before applying.

4. Receiving Your Payment

Refunds are typically processed quickly. TV Licensing aims to send the money directly to your bank account via BACS transfer. The process usually takes between 10 and 21 days from the date of the application.

Key LSI Entities and Topical Authority

To ensure you navigate the process correctly, understanding the specific terminology and related entities is vital. The refund is always calculated based on the full annual fee of £174.50, and you must be compliant with the rules regarding live TV broadcasts and BBC iPlayer usage. The refund is calculated on a monthly basis, meaning you get back the cost for every full, unused complete month.

Common scenarios that lead to a refund claim include moving into a care home, student refunds at the end of the academic year, and double payment errors. Always ensure your details are up to date with TV Licensing to prevent enforcement action, as non-compliance can lead to a court summons and a fine of up to £1,000. The rise in the fee to £174.50 in 2025 has put a greater focus on eligibility criteria and concessionary rates, such as the blind concession and the over-75 Pension Credit entitlement, which remain the most significant ways to save money or claim a full refund.

5 Key Ways to Claim a Full or Partial £174.50 TV Licence Refund in 2025
tv licence 174 50 refund
tv licence 174 50 refund

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