In the United Kingdom, having a TV licence is a legal requirement for anyone who watches or records live television, or uses BBC iPlayer. The TV licence fee is used to fund the BBC and its various services, including television, radio, and online content. In this article, we will explore the different ways to pay for a TV licence, including payment methods, payment plans, and concessions.
Understanding Your TV Licence Fee
Before we dive into the payment methods, it’s essential to understand how the TV licence fee works. The TV licence fee is set by the UK government and is currently £159 per year for a colour TV licence. If you have a black and white TV, the fee is £53.50 per year. The fee is the same regardless of how many TVs you have in your household, as long as they are all in the same property.
Who Needs a TV Licence?
Not everyone needs a TV licence. If you only use your TV to watch pre-recorded programmes, or if you only use it to play games or watch DVDs, you don’t need a TV licence. However, if you watch or record live TV, or use BBC iPlayer, you will need a TV licence.
Exemptions
There are some exemptions to the TV licence fee. For example, if you are over 75 and receive Pension Credit, you are eligible for a free TV licence. Additionally, if you are blind or severely sight impaired, you may be eligible for a 50% discount on your TV licence fee.
Payment Methods
There are several ways to pay for your TV licence, including:
Direct Debit
One of the most convenient ways to pay for your TV licence is by direct debit. You can set up a direct debit payment plan, which allows you to spread the cost of your TV licence fee over the year. You can choose to pay monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Benefits of Direct Debit
There are several benefits to paying by direct debit. Firstly, it’s convenient and easy to set up. Secondly, you can avoid the risk of missing a payment, as the payment will be automatically deducted from your bank account. Finally, you can spread the cost of your TV licence fee over the year, making it more manageable.
Online Payment
You can also pay for your TV licence online using a credit or debit card. To make an online payment, you will need to visit the TV Licensing website and follow the instructions.
Benefits of Online Payment
There are several benefits to paying online. Firstly, it’s quick and easy to make a payment. Secondly, you can make a payment at any time, 24/7. Finally, you can avoid the risk of missing a payment, as you can set up a payment reminder.
Phone Payment
You can also pay for your TV licence over the phone using a credit or debit card. To make a phone payment, you will need to call the TV Licensing phone number and follow the instructions.
Benefits of Phone Payment
There are several benefits to paying over the phone. Firstly, it’s quick and easy to make a payment. Secondly, you can speak to a customer service representative if you have any questions or concerns. Finally, you can avoid the risk of missing a payment, as you can set up a payment reminder.
Post Office Payment
You can also pay for your TV licence at a Post Office branch using cash, cheque, or debit card. To make a payment at a Post Office branch, you will need to take your payment and your TV licence reference number with you.
Benefits of Post Office Payment
There are several benefits to paying at a Post Office branch. Firstly, it’s convenient and easy to make a payment. Secondly, you can pay in cash, which may be helpful if you don’t have a bank account. Finally, you can avoid the risk of missing a payment, as you can make a payment in person.
Payment Plans
If you are struggling to pay for your TV licence, there are several payment plans available. These plans allow you to spread the cost of your TV licence fee over a longer period.
Weekly Payment Plan
One payment plan available is the weekly payment plan. This plan allows you to pay for your TV licence in weekly instalments. To set up a weekly payment plan, you will need to contact TV Licensing and provide your bank details.
Benefits of Weekly Payment Plan
There are several benefits to the weekly payment plan. Firstly, it’s convenient and easy to set up. Secondly, you can spread the cost of your TV licence fee over a longer period, making it more manageable. Finally, you can avoid the risk of missing a payment, as the payment will be automatically deducted from your bank account.
Monthly Payment Plan
Another payment plan available is the monthly payment plan. This plan allows you to pay for your TV licence in monthly instalments. To set up a monthly payment plan, you will need to contact TV Licensing and provide your bank details.
Benefits of Monthly Payment Plan
There are several benefits to the monthly payment plan. Firstly, it’s convenient and easy to set up. Secondly, you can spread the cost of your TV licence fee over a longer period, making it more manageable. Finally, you can avoid the risk of missing a payment, as the payment will be automatically deducted from your bank account.
Concessions
There are several concessions available for people who are struggling to pay for their TV licence. These concessions include:
Over 75 Concession
If you are over 75 and receive Pension Credit, you are eligible for a free TV licence. To apply for this concession, you will need to contact TV Licensing and provide your Pension Credit details.
Benefits of Over 75 Concession
There are several benefits to the over 75 concession. Firstly, it’s free, which can help to reduce your living costs. Secondly, it’s easy to apply for, as you can contact TV Licensing and provide your Pension Credit details. Finally, you can enjoy your favourite TV programmes without worrying about the cost.
Blind or Severely Sight Impaired Concession
If you are blind or severely sight impaired, you may be eligible for a 50% discount on your TV licence fee. To apply for this concession, you will need to contact TV Licensing and provide your blind or severely sight impaired registration details.
Benefits of Blind or Severely Sight Impaired Concession
There are several benefits to the blind or severely sight impaired concession. Firstly, it can help to reduce your living costs. Secondly, it’s easy to apply for, as you can contact TV Licensing and provide your blind or severely sight impaired registration details. Finally, you can enjoy your favourite TV programmes without worrying about the cost.
| Payment Method | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Direct Debit | Convenient, easy to set up, spreads the cost over the year |
| Online Payment | Quick, easy, 24/7, avoids risk of missing a payment |
| Phone Payment | Quick, easy, speaks to a customer service representative, avoids risk of missing a payment |
| Post Office Payment | Convenient, easy, pays in cash, avoids risk of missing a payment |
In conclusion, paying for your TV licence is easy and convenient, with several payment methods and plans available. Whether you choose to pay by direct debit, online, phone, or Post Office, you can enjoy your favourite TV programmes without worrying about the cost. Additionally, there are several concessions available for people who are struggling to pay for their TV licence, including the over 75 concession and the blind or severely sight impaired concession.
What is a TV licence and do I need one?
A TV licence is a fee required by law for anyone who watches or records live television in the UK. The licence fee is used to fund the BBC and its services, including TV, radio, and online content. If you watch or record live TV, you need a TV licence, regardless of the device you use to watch it.
You don’t need a TV licence if you only watch on-demand content, such as catch-up TV or streaming services like Netflix. However, if you watch live TV, including sports, news, or events, you need a TV licence. It’s also worth noting that you need a separate TV licence for each address where you watch live TV.
How much does a TV licence cost?
The cost of a TV licence varies depending on your circumstances. For most people, the standard TV licence fee is £159 per year. However, if you’re over 75 and receive Pension Credit, you may be eligible for a free TV licence.
You can pay for your TV licence in various ways, including monthly direct debit, quarterly payments, or a one-off annual payment. If you’re struggling to pay, you can also set up a payment plan with TV Licensing. It’s worth noting that the TV licence fee is subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the TV Licensing website for the latest information.
How do I pay for my TV licence?
You can pay for your TV licence online, by phone, or by post. To pay online, simply visit the TV Licensing website and follow the instructions. You can pay by debit or credit card, or set up a direct debit. To pay by phone, call the TV Licensing payment line and have your payment details ready.
If you prefer to pay by post, you can send a cheque or postal order to TV Licensing. Make sure to include your TV licence number and address on the back of the cheque or postal order. You can also set up a payment plan or make a one-off payment at a PayPoint outlet.
Can I pay for my TV licence in instalments?
Yes, you can pay for your TV licence in instalments. TV Licensing offers a range of payment plans, including monthly, quarterly, and six-monthly payments. To set up a payment plan, simply visit the TV Licensing website or call the payment line.
When you set up a payment plan, you’ll need to provide your payment details and choose a payment frequency that suits you. You’ll then receive a payment schedule and reminders when your payments are due. It’s worth noting that you may be charged a small fee for setting up a payment plan.
What happens if I don’t pay for my TV licence?
If you don’t pay for your TV licence, you may be fined or prosecuted. TV Licensing has a range of enforcement measures in place to ensure that everyone who needs a TV licence pays for one. If you’re caught watching live TV without a licence, you could be fined up to £1,000.
If you’re struggling to pay for your TV licence, it’s always best to contact TV Licensing to discuss your options. They may be able to offer a payment plan or provide information on concessions or discounts that you’re eligible for. Ignoring the problem or failing to pay can lead to serious consequences.
Are there any concessions or discounts available?
Yes, there are concessions and discounts available for certain groups of people. For example, if you’re over 75 and receive Pension Credit, you may be eligible for a free TV licence. You may also be eligible for a discount if you’re blind or severely sight impaired.
To apply for a concession or discount, you’ll need to provide proof of your eligibility. This may include a copy of your Pension Credit award letter or a certificate from a medical professional. You can apply for a concession or discount online or by contacting TV Licensing directly.
How do I cancel my TV licence?
If you no longer need a TV licence, you can cancel it online or by contacting TV Licensing. You’ll need to provide your TV licence number and confirm that you no longer watch live TV. If you’ve paid for your TV licence in advance, you may be eligible for a refund.
To cancel your TV licence, simply visit the TV Licensing website and follow the instructions. You can also call the TV Licensing contact centre to cancel over the phone. Make sure to have your TV licence number ready and be prepared to confirm that you no longer watch live TV.