Your web browser is outdated and may be insecure

The RCN recommends using an updated browser such as Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome

RCN Foundation Make a Donation

Everything you need to know about TV licensing

The RCN Foundation have partnered with debt advice experts PayPlan to provide free advice and support to nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants experiencing hardship. Learn more about their work with the RCN Foundation.

TV licences are an essential cost for most of Britain’s households and, with living costs on the rise, it’s important to make sure you’re on a payment plan that works for you and to check to see whether you’re eligible for a concession.

The annual cost of a TV licence is currently £159. The Government, who set this cost, has announced it is set to remain at this amount until April 2024.

When do you need a TV licence?

The law says you need to be covered by a TV licence to:

  • Watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel

  • Watch or stream programmes live on an online TV service such as ITV Hub, All4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now TV, Sky Go, Netflix, etc.

  • Download or watch programmes on BBC iPlayer

This applies to any device you use, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.

How PayPlan can support you with your TV licensing needs

There are multiple options when it comes to paying for your TV licence, with the most popular payment method being direct debit. This helps you to plan your budget ahead with monthly, quarterly, or annual charges.

There’s also another payment option called the Simple Payment Plan, which has been set up to specifically help people who are in financial difficulty.

As one of the UK’s leading providers of free debt advice, PayPlan has the ability to refer people who are struggling financially over to TV Licensing (TVL) to be set up on this plan.

Customers who qualify are able to choose from either a fortnightly or monthly payment plan that spreads the cost of a licence over 12 months.

It also means that, if a customer happens to miss a payment, instead of facing a big monthly or quarterly cost to pay it back, they can spread what they owe across the remainder of their plan to help them keep their payments as low as possible.

For example, if a customer pays £13.25 a month and misses a payment, instead of paying double (£26.50) the following month, the outstanding balance can be spread across the remainder of the plan.

Who can join the Simple Payment Plan?

The scheme is only available to certain groups of customers who:

  • have been visited by a TVL Enquiry Officer to check if they need a licence

  • have previously held a licence that was cancelled within the last six months because of missed payments

  • are experiencing financial difficulties and are referred by a not-for-profit money advice organisation or an agreed partner such as free debt advice provider, PayPlan

  • have held a Simple Payment Plan licence within the previous 12 months

Who is entitled to a discounted fee?

  • Those aged 75 or older are available to claim free TV licences if they receive Pension Credit. To apply for a free licence, visit the gov.uk website or call to request an application form.

  • If you’re blind or severely sight impaired and can provide the appropriate evidence, you can apply for a 50% concession. Your TV licence will also cover anyone who lives with you. The annual cost of this licence is £79.50.

If you’re struggling with rising living costs and think you’d benefit from paying your TV licence this way, contact PayPlan via their RCN Foundation portal and they'll be able to help you further.