Thousands of people in Northern Ireland pay the annual £169.50 to watch live television – but not everyone will be aware of a list of exemptions and discounts available.
The TV Licence allows you to watch live TV and apps such as ITVX and BBC iPlayer, with a number of people able to have the cost waived entirely. Anyone aged 74 or over, or a partner living at the same address in receipt of Pension Credit, could apply to get the licence for free. To be eligible for Pension Credit, you must be retired and have a weekly income below £218.15.
Care home residents, the blind or severely sight impaired, or those who only watch black and white television are eligible for a discounted licence. Care home residents or those living in sheltered accommodation could see their TV licence slashed to £7.50.
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Blind people, or those with severe sight impairment can apply to have it halved, paying £84.75. Anyone still watching TV in black and white can apply for a different licence which is £57. There is no discount or financial help for anyone on benefits or Universal Credit.
The only complete exemption is to tourists or people living overseas who come to the UK to visit friends or family. TV licences are obtained by households and businesses, which means visitors are free to watch what they like as long as the correct licence has been obtained.
The licence covers anyone watching TV on a set, tablet, or phone. If detected, anyone without a licence could be subject to a £1,000 fine and prosecution.
Anyone struggling to pay can contact the TV Licensing company directly to see if there’s better ways to split the cost. “With our monthly and quarterly Direct Debit schemes you can spread the cost of your licence. We’ll let you know when payments will be taken from your account,” it says.
For more information on TV Licensing click here.
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