Three ways to get a refund for your £174 BBC TV licence

There are three reasons you may be able to get a refund for an annual bill. The BBC TV Licence now costs £174.50.

Since its introduction in 1946, the BBC TV Licence has been a standard expense for many UK households. Back then, the BBC was the only broadcaster in the country and the licence cost £2 - equivalent to approximately £105 today.

Despite significant changes in our television consumption habits, including the rise of numerous channels, streaming services and on-demand platforms, this annual bill persists. Even if you don't watch any BBC channels, many households still need a licence. For instance, you need a licence to:

• Watch or record programmes as they're being broadcast live on any TV channel
• Watch live programmes on any online TV service - such as Channel 4, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video

You also need a licence to download or watch any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer. However, certain groups are exempt from paying for the licence, and in some cases, you may even be able to apply for a refund.

According to the TV Licensing website, there are three situations where you can request a refund. "You can apply for a refund if you won't need your licence again before it expires, and you have at least one complete month left on it," it says.

"If you're eligible for an over 75 or blind concession, you can apply for a refund at any time and for any length of time left on your licence."

You can request a refund for your TV Licence up to 14 days before the date you no longer require it.

To qualify for the over 75 concession, you must be aged 75 or above and either:

• Receive Pension Credit
• Reside with a partner who receives Pension Credit

If you're currently in receipt of Pension Credit, you can apply for a free TV licence when you turn 74. However, you'll need to continue paying for your licence until the end of the month prior to your 75th birthday.

If you're registered as blind, severely sight impaired, or live with someone who is, you can receive a 50 per cent discount. The licence must be registered in the name of the blind person - if it's not, a new application can be made to transfer it into their name.

When applying, you'll need to provide your existing TV Licence number. You are also eligible for a discount if you reside in residential care or sheltered accommodation.

If you live in a qualifying residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation, you can obtain a TV Licence for £7.50.

To be eligible, you must also be either:

• Retired and over 60
• Or disabled

According to the Government website, you do not need a TV Licence if you only watch:

• Streaming services like Netflix and Disney Plus
• On-demand TV via services like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video
• Videos on websites like YouTube
• Videos or DVDs