People could claim a refund if their living situation changes, with some eligible for up to £155
People who watch TV could be owed money back if their circumstances changed (stock)(Image: Wang Yukun via Getty Images)
TV Licence holders could be missing out on a refund if their circumstances change. In certain situations, people may be losing out on as much as £155, and they can put in a claim for up to two years ago.
Consumer and lifestyle expert for ITV’s This Morning, Grace Forell, suggests more people could be eligible to reclaim a portion of their TV Licence fee. There are particular circumstances that people must satisfy to qualify – though she says these situations happen more frequently than you might think.
Brits require a valid TV Licence if they watch television and stream live broadcasts on services such as YouTube or Amazon Prime. Many people mistakenly believe the Licence isn’t necessary if they don’t watch BBC content.
Reclaiming the maximum portion of a TV Licence could see households receive up to £155, provided they hold a standard £180 colour TV Licence. The application process is available to anyone who meets the criteria.
The highest refund available is eleven-twelfths (11/12ths) of the total licence fee, which presently amounts to £155.37. Since a TV Licence refund is worked out based on complete, unused calendar months left on the licence, it’s impossible to receive a full 100% refund once the licence has commenced, reports the Express.
Grace said: “If you buy a licence and then your living circumstances change, you can apply for a refund for the unused months. Say you move into university halls and buy a licence, but then move back home nine months later, as long as your family home has a suitable licence, you can cancel yours and get money back.”
It’s not only students who stand to gain from this. Those who move in with a partner, friend, or family member who already holds a valid licence can apply for a refund on their own licence prior to relocating.
There is, however, one crucial condition that all those seeking a refund must meet. Grace confirms that refunds will only be possible if people have “at least one complete month remaining” on their licence.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings
You can request a TV Licence refund online via the TV Licensing Refund Form, or alternatively, ring TV Licensing directly on 0300 790 6071. Applications can be submitted up to 14 days before the date you no longer need the licence. Should your refund be approved, your TV Licence will be cancelled automatically.
For most standard refund claims, TV Licensing states that customers can claim a refund for a licence that expired up to two years ago, with the refund still calculated based on “unused complete months”.
Those making backdated claims will need to supply evidence confirming the precise date they no longer required the licence, such as a tenancy agreement showing when they moved out. Speaking directly with TV Licensing can be particularly helpful for those in more complex situations, where additional proof may be required before a refund is released.