£174.50 TV Licence Refund: 7 Crucial Ways UK Households Can Claim A Full Or Partial Payment

The standard UK TV Licence fee is currently £174.50, a figure that represents the full annual cost for households. While this payment is mandatory for watching or recording live television and using BBC iPlayer, many people are unaware that they may be entitled to claim a significant refund, potentially the full £174.50, if their circumstances change. The key to securing this money back lies in understanding the precise rules for eligibility and acting quickly.

As of December 2025, the £174.50 fee is in effect, having risen from the previous £169.50. This guide provides the most up-to-date information on the official cancellation and refund process, detailing the specific scenarios that qualify you for a full or partial repayment from TV Licensing.

The £174.50 Fee and Core Refund Eligibility Rules

The annual cost of a standard colour TV Licence has been set at £174.50 since April 1, 2025. This fee covers the cost of all BBC services and is legally required if you watch or record programmes as they are shown on TV, or if you download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer. If you meet the criteria for a refund, the amount you receive will be proportional to the time left on your licence, with the full £174.50 being possible if you cancel right after purchasing a new one.

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To be eligible for any refund, you must meet two primary conditions set by TV Licensing:

• You must not need the licence again before its current expiry date.
• You must have at least one complete month left on your licence.

The refund amount is calculated based on the number of full, unexpired months remaining on your licence. This means you could receive a refund for anywhere between one and 11 months of the £174.50 fee.

7 Essential Reasons You Can Claim a TV Licence Refund

Understanding the specific reasons for cancellation is crucial. The most common and legitimate grounds for claiming a full or partial refund are:

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1. You Stop Watching Live TV or BBC iPlayer: This is the most frequent reason. If you no longer watch or record live programmes on any channel, or use BBC iPlayer to watch or download content, you do not need a licence.
2. Moving to an Address Already Covered: If you move into a household where a TV Licence is already in place (e.g., moving in with a partner or family) and your old licence still has time remaining, you are entitled to a refund for the overlap.
3. Moving to a Care Home or Being Hospitalised: If the licence holder moves permanently into a care home, or is hospitalised for a significant period, they will no longer require the licence at their previous address. Evidence, such as a care home letter, is usually required.
4. The Licence Holder Has Passed Away: In the unfortunate event of the licence holder's death, the executors or family members can apply for a full or partial refund on the remaining period.
5. Overpayment or Duplicate Payment: If you accidentally paid for a replacement licence when your existing one was still valid, or if a payment scheme resulted in an overpayment, you can claim the excess amount back.
6. Becoming Eligible for a Concession: If you become certified as severely sight impaired (blind), you become eligible for a 50% concessionary licence. You can apply for a refund for the difference in cost for the remaining period of your existing full-price licence.
7. Moving Abroad Permanently: If you leave the UK to live permanently overseas, your licence is no longer required, and you can claim a refund for the remaining months.

The Step-by-Step Process: How to Claim Your £174.50 Refund

Claiming your money back is a straightforward process, but strict adherence to the rules is necessary to ensure success. The process is managed directly through the official TV Licensing service.

1. Check Your Eligibility Date (The 14-Day Rule)

You must apply for your refund no more than 14 days before the date you no longer need the TV Licence. For example, if you moved out on December 15th, you should apply between December 1st and December 15th. Applying too early may result in a delay or rejection.

2. Gather Necessary Information

To complete the application, you will need:

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• Your TV Licence number (if known).
• The name and address on the licence.
• The date from which you no longer need the licence (the 'no longer needed' date).
• The reason for your refund request (e.g., 'no longer watching live TV', 'moved to a care home').
• Bank details (sort code and account number) for the refund payment.

3. Submit Your Application

The fastest and most common method is applying online via the TV Licensing website. Alternatively, you can apply by phone using the dedicated TV Licensing telephone number: 0300 790 6071.

4. Processing and Payment

TV Licensing aims to process and issue refunds within 21 days of receiving your application. The payment is usually made directly into the bank account provided.

Concessionary and Short-Term TV Licence Refunds

While the £174.50 fee is the standard, certain groups have different refund rules and payment options that offer greater flexibility.

Over 75s and Blind Concessions

Individuals who are over 75 and receive Pension Credit, or those who are registered as severely sight impaired (blind), are eligible for special concessions. If you qualify for one of these, you can apply for a refund at any time and for any length of time left on your licence. This flexibility is a significant benefit compared to the standard one-month minimum rule.

Short-Term Licences and Moving Out

For those who only need a licence for a short period (e.g., students in temporary accommodation), a short-term licence can be purchased. However, if you have a standard annual licence and move out, the one-month minimum rule still applies. You cannot get a refund if your licence has less than one full month remaining, unless you fall under the concessionary categories.

It is also important to be vigilant against scams. Fraudulent emails often impersonate TV Licensing, claiming you are due a refund for an overpayment. Always check the sender's email address and navigate directly to the official TV Licensing website to submit your application to avoid falling victim to phishing attempts.

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