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7 Essential Ways To Claim Your £174.50 TV Licence Refund Now (Updated 2025 Guide)

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The annual cost of a standard colour TV Licence has increased to £174.50 as of April 1, 2025, a change that impacts millions of UK households. While this fee is mandatory for watching or recording live television and using BBC iPlayer, many people overpay or no longer require their licence, making them eligible for a significant refund. This comprehensive guide, updated for the current date, December 20, 2025, breaks down the precise rules and steps you must follow to successfully claim back your money from TV Licensing, whether you've moved house, cancelled your service, or qualified for a concession.

The key to securing a refund is understanding the "full calendar month" rule and identifying which specific life changes qualify you for a repayment. Thousands of pounds in overpaid fees go unclaimed every year, so if you believe you are no longer legally required to hold a licence, it is crucial to check your eligibility immediately to recover the unused portion of your £174.50 payment.

Who is Eligible for a TV Licence Refund of £174.50?

The £174.50 fee represents the annual cost of a standard colour TV Licence. A refund is essentially a repayment of the unused portion of this annual fee. The core principle for most cancellations is that you must have at least one complete unused month left on your licence when you no longer require it. Refunds are calculated in full calendar months.

Here are the specific, most common scenarios that make you eligible to claim a full or partial refund on your £174.50 licence fee:

  • Moving Out of the UK: If you move abroad and will not be returning to the UK before your licence expires, you are eligible for a refund for the remaining full months.
  • Moving to a Care Home: If you move into a residential care home, you may be eligible for a refund, as the care home often holds a concessionary licence that covers its residents.
  • No Longer Requiring a Licence: This is the most common reason. If you stop watching or recording live TV programmes on any channel, or stop using BBC iPlayer, and have at least one full month left on your licence, you can apply for a refund after cancelling your licence.
  • Death of the Licence Holder: The estate of a deceased licence holder can claim a refund for any remaining full months on the licence.
  • Turning 75 and Receiving Pension Credit: While not a direct refund of the full £174.50, if you paid for a licence and then turned 75 and qualified for Pension Credit during the licence period, you can claim a refund for the months remaining after your 75th birthday. This is because you are now eligible for a free TV Licence.
  • Duplicate Payment: If you accidentally paid for your licence twice, you are entitled to a full refund for the duplicate payment.
  • Moving to an Address Already Covered: If you move to a new property that is already covered by a valid TV Licence, you can claim a refund for the unused portion of your old licence.

It is important to note that if you still watch or record live TV, or stream content on BBC iPlayer, you are legally required to have a licence, and a refund will not be applicable.

The Critical 'Full Calendar Month' Rule Explained

Understanding how TV Licensing calculates your refund is crucial to managing your expectations. Unlike some services, refunds are not calculated on a daily basis; they are based on full calendar months.

Example of Refund Calculation:

If your £174.50 licence started on 1 May and you cancelled it because you moved abroad on 15 October, you would be refunded for the period from 1 November until the licence's expiry date the following 30 April. The period from 15 October to 31 October is not counted as a 'full calendar month' and is therefore not included in the refund calculation. You must have at least one full month remaining when you apply.

The refund amount is calculated by dividing the annual fee (£174.50) by 12, and then multiplying that monthly cost by the number of full, unused months remaining. As the annual fee is £174.50, the approximate monthly cost is £14.54 (or £58.50 for a black and white licence).

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

The process for claiming your refund is straightforward and can typically be completed online via the official TV Licensing website. Before you begin, ensure you have the following information ready:

  • Your TV Licence number (found on your licence or renewal notice).
  • The date from which you no longer needed the licence (e.g., the date you moved out).
  • Proof of your new address (if applicable).
  • Your bank details (account number and sort code) for the refund payment.

1. Check Your Eligibility and Cancellation Date

First, confirm that you meet one of the eligibility criteria listed above and that you have at least one complete calendar month remaining on your licence. This is the absolute minimum requirement for a partial refund.

2. Cancel Your Licence (If Applicable)

If you no longer require a licence, you must first formally declare this to TV Licensing. This is often done as part of the refund application process. You will need to confirm that you will not be watching or recording live TV or using BBC iPlayer at your address before the licence expires.

3. Complete the Online Refund Form

Navigate to the official TV Licensing website and locate the 'Refund and Cancellation' section. You will be asked to fill in an online form detailing the reason for your cancellation and the date it became effective.

4. Submit Your Application and Wait for Processing

Once submitted, TV Licensing will process your application. They aim to process refunds promptly, often within a few weeks. The refund will usually be paid directly into your bank account via BACS transfer. If you paid by Direct Debit, the refund will be processed back to the bank account linked to the payment.

5. Alternative Method: Applying by Phone

If you prefer to speak to a representative, or if your situation is complex (such as a bereavement claim or a concessionary licence issue), you can call the TV Licensing telephone number: 0300 790 6071.

Important Concessions and Discounts to Maximise Your Savings

Beyond the standard refund, certain groups are eligible for reduced fees or a free licence, which can effectively save you the entire £174.50 fee:

  • Free Licence for Over 75s on Pension Credit: Households where a person aged 75 or over receives Pension Credit are entitled to a free TV Licence. If you paid for a licence and then qualified, you are due a refund for the remaining months.
  • Blind/Severely Sight Impaired Discount: People who are certified as severely sight impaired (blind) are entitled to a 50% concession on the full licence fee, meaning they only pay £87.25. If you paid the full £174.50 fee and then became eligible, you can claim a partial refund for the difference.
  • Concessionary Licences (e.g., Care Homes): Residents of qualifying residential care are often covered by a concessionary licence, which is significantly cheaper.

By staying informed about the latest £174.50 fee and the specific refund rules, you can ensure you are not overpaying for your television licence. Always contact TV Licensing directly if you are unsure of your eligibility or the status of your refund application.

7 Essential Ways to Claim Your £174.50 TV Licence Refund Now (Updated 2025 Guide)
tv licence 174 50 refund
tv licence 174 50 refund

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