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5 Key Ways To Claim A TV Licence Refund Of Up To £174.50 In 2025

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Are you one of the thousands of UK households who could be owed a significant sum back from TV Licensing? With the annual cost of a standard colour TV Licence currently standing at £174.50, reclaiming this fee—or a substantial portion of it—can provide a welcome boost to your finances. As of today, December 19, 2025, the rules for claiming a refund are clear, but many people remain unaware of the specific circumstances that make them eligible.

This in-depth guide breaks down the latest official guidance, detailing the five primary scenarios where you can successfully apply for a refund. Whether you’ve recently moved, changed your viewing habits, or are a student heading home for the summer, understanding the eligibility criteria and the simple application process is the first step to getting your money back. Don't let your unused TV Licence fee go unclaimed.

Understanding the £174.50 TV Licence Fee and Refund Calculation

The figure of £174.50 is the current annual cost for a standard colour television licence in the UK, which came into effect on April 1, 2025. When you see news about a refund of "up to £174.50," it means you could be eligible to reclaim the full amount you paid, or more commonly, a partial refund based on the unused portion of your licence period.

How Your TV Licence Refund Amount is Calculated

TV Licensing does not calculate refunds on a daily basis. Instead, they operate strictly on a system of complete, unused months.

  • The Rule: To qualify for any refund, you must have at least one complete month remaining on your licence from the date you no longer needed it.
  • The Formula: The amount you receive back is based on the number of full months left until your licence expires. For example, if you cancel a licence with four full months remaining, you will receive a refund equal to four months of the annual fee.
  • Maximum Refund: The maximum refund you can receive is the full £174.50, which would only happen if you purchased a new licence but cancelled it very shortly after, with 11 or more complete months remaining.

It is critical to apply for the refund as soon as possible after you become eligible, as the refund period is calculated from the date you stopped requiring the licence, not the date you apply.

5 Key Scenarios That Make You Eligible for a Full or Partial Refund

Eligibility for a TV Licence refund is not automatic; it is based on a change in your circumstances. Here are the five main situations where you can submit a refund claim to TV Licensing.

1. You No Longer Watch Live TV or Use BBC iPlayer (The Streaming-Only Switch)

This is one of the most common reasons for a refund, especially as more households switch to on-demand streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • You must completely stop watching or recording programmes as they are being shown on TV (live TV).
  • You must stop downloading or watching any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer (including on-demand content).
  • You must have at least one complete month left on your current licence.

If you meet these criteria, you can declare that you no longer need the licence and claim a refund for the remaining months.

2. Moving to an Address That Already Has a Licence

If you move house and the new property is already covered by a valid TV Licence, you are entitled to a refund for the unused portion of your licence at the old address.

  • Example: Moving in with a partner or family member who already holds a licence for that address.
  • Action: You must inform TV Licensing of your move and provide the details of the new licence holder's address.

3. Students Leaving Term-Time Accommodation for the Summer

Students are a specific group who can often claim a partial refund, typically covering the summer break. This is a crucial area of eligibility for those who only use their licence during the academic year.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Your licence must be for your student term-time address.
  • You must be leaving the address for the summer holidays and not returning until after the licence expires.
  • The licence must have at least one complete unused month remaining before it expires.

Since a typical academic year is nine months, students can often reclaim the cost of the remaining three months, which can be a significant partial refund.

4. The Licence Holder Has Died (Estate Refund)

If the person who held the TV Licence has died, the executor of the estate can apply for a full refund for any complete unused months remaining on the licence.

  • Process: The executor must contact TV Licensing with the licence details and the date of death to start the refund process.
  • Note: This process allows for a refund regardless of how long is left on the licence, provided the licence is no longer needed.

5. Moving into a Care Home or Moving Abroad

A permanent change of residence outside of the UK or into a facility where a TV Licence is no longer required also triggers eligibility for a refund.

  • Moving Abroad: If you leave the UK permanently, you can claim a refund from the date you left, provided you have at least one complete month remaining.
  • Care Home: Moving into a residential care home or nursing home means you no longer need a licence for your previous address, making you eligible for a refund.

How to Claim Your TV Licence Refund: Step-by-Step Guide

The process for claiming your refund is straightforward and can be completed online or over the phone. You will need to have your TV Licence details and the date from which you no longer required the licence.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Date

Determine the exact date you stopped needing the licence (e.g., the day you moved out, the day you stopped watching live TV, or the date you left for the summer). This date must ensure you have at least one complete month left on your licence.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Information

You will need the following details to complete the application:

  • Your TV Licence number.
  • The name and address on the licence.
  • The date you became eligible for the refund.
  • Your bank details (sort code and account number) for the refund payment.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

The quickest way to apply is via the official TV Licensing website using their online refund and cancellation form.

  • Online: Complete the 'Refund and Cancellation Request' form on the TV Licensing website.
  • By Phone: You can call the TV Licensing contact number (0300 790 6071) to speak with an advisor and process the refund over the phone.

Step 4: Receive Your Refund

Once your application is reviewed and approved, the refund will be calculated based on the complete unused months and paid directly into your bank account. TV Licensing typically processes refunds within a few weeks of receiving the application.

Concessions and Other Special Refund Cases

It is important to be aware of special concessions that may reduce your fee or alter your refund eligibility.

Blind (Severely Sight Impaired) Concession

If you are registered as blind (severely sight impaired), or live with someone who is, you are eligible for a 50% reduction in the cost of a TV Licence. This means your annual fee is significantly lower.

  • Refund Rule: If you qualify for this concession, you can apply for a refund at any time and for any length of time left on your licence, which is a more flexible rule than the standard one-month minimum.

Over-75s Concession

While the universal free TV Licence for over-75s ended, those who receive Pension Credit are still eligible for a free licence. If you have been paying for a licence but recently became eligible for Pension Credit, you can apply for a refund for the period you were paying while eligible.

By staying informed about the current £174.50 fee and the specific eligibility rules, you can ensure you are not paying for a service you no longer need or are entitled to a reduction for. Always check the official TV Licensing website for the most current terms and conditions before applying.

5 Key Ways to Claim a TV Licence Refund of Up to £174.50 in 2025
tv licence 174 50 refund
tv licence 174 50 refund

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