Free TV licence for all UK pensioners update as key threshold nears

The Government is being urged to provide free TV licences to all UK pensioners. As a petition on the issue approaches 10,000 signatures, an official Government response could soon be required. The petition, entitled “Fund Free TV licences for all pensioners”, was launched by Michael Thompson, who said many older people are living on the “breadline” and rely on television as their main source of companionship.

Published at the start of the year and set to close on July 21, 2026, the petition reads: “We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age. When people reach retirement age, we think they should receive a state-financed free TV licence.

“Many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company. With the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession.

“We feel it is a double outrage that those who have given their all to this country in taxes and raising children have to pay a TV licence fee and are only exempt if they receive means-tested Pension Credit. Meanwhile, some media figures draw huge salaries.”

Free TV Licence – have your say

Officials from petition.parliament note that if this “petition gets 10,000 signatures, the Government will respond to it. If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.”

This petition will remain open until July 21, 2026. Currently, as of May 15, it has 9,178 signatures. You can sign the petition here.

Can I get a free TV Licence?

• You, as the licence holder, are 75 years or older AND
• You, or your partner living at the same address, receive Pension Credit.

It adds: “There is no free TV Licence for over 60s. Free TV Licences are only available if you’re 75 or over and you, or your partner living at the same address, are receiving Pension Credit.”

What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. Pension Credit works by giving extra money to help cover living costs if you’re over State Pension age and have a low income. It can also help cover housing costs like ground rent and service charges.

You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit. You can read about your Pension Credit eligibility here.

Currently in the UK, the State Pension age is 66 years old for both men and women. It is set to rise to age 67 between 2026 and 2028, and to age 68 between 2044 and 2046, GOV.UK confirms.