TV Licensing have kindly given Rights 4 Seniors essential information that may save you money or hassle. For a start, your television licence will be free if you are aged 75 or over.

A colour TV licence would normally cost £145.50.

Free Licence

You need a TV Licence to watch or record TV programmes as they are being shown on TV. This is the case whatever equipment you use. There are some instances when concessions are available however:

If you are aged 75 or over you are entitled to apply for a free TV Licence. Once your free licence is issued it is valid for three years. After that you will be issued with a new one.

How to apply

Although it is free, people aged 75 or over do still need to apply for their TV Licence. To apply:

• Have your national insurance number and date of birth to hand and
• Fill in a form online or
• Telephone 0300 790 6073

If you do not have your national insurance number, call 0300 790 6073 to arrange to provide other proof of your date of birth.

If you are not the current licence holder for your address and share your home with someone younger, you can still apply. Call TV Licensing as above and we will transfer your name onto the existing licence.

If you are 74

If your 75th birthday falls in the year covered by your next licence you can buy a short term licence to cover you until your next birthday (unless you live in Jersey or Sark where the rules are different). Having done this, you will automatically receive a free TV Licence when you turn 75.

Alternatively, if you have turned 75 but did not previously purchase a short term licence, you can claim a refund on an existing licence for the completed months that have passed since your birthday.

To buy a short term licence or claim a refund, call 0300 790 6073.

Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) Licence

The Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) Licence allows certain residents who live in homes qualifying for the scheme to use TV receiving equipment in their unit of accommodation. It costs £7.50.

To be eligible for the concession, you must be living in either a local authority care home providing accommodation for disabled and retired people or a home managed by a person registered under Part II of the Care Standards Act 2000. A warden should live on the premises or work there for at least 30 hours a week.

In addition, you must be retired and aged 60 or over or have a physical or mental disability.

Note for Wardens and Housing Managers

Wardens and housing managers should apply for and take responsibility for administering the licence on behalf of each person covered by it. They can call 0300 790 6011 for more information and to apply.