The blind concession for a TV licence was introduced on 1 April 2000, as a result of campaigning by RNIB and other organisations. Blind people can obtain a 50 per cent discount on the licence fee upon proof of entitlement.
Getting a concessionary TV licence
Applying for the first time
If you are applying for the blind concession TV licence for the first time, please send a photocopy of your proof of entitlement (see 'Proof of entitlement' below) with your name and address to:
TV Licensing
Blind Concession Group
Bristol
BS98 1TL
TV Licensing will then send you a letter confirming the details and the payment amount.
Proof of entitlement
Proof of entitlement can be obtained by a certificate or other document issued by or on behalf of a local authority in Great Britain, or the Department of Health and Social Security in the Isle of Man, or a certificate or document issued by or on behalf of a Health and Social Services trust in Northern Ireland.
A certificate signed by an ophthalmologist is an accepted proof of entitlement throughout the UK, Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. The certificate must state the applicant is 'registered blind' or 'severely sight impaired'. If you are registered as 'partially sighted' or 'sight impaired' you are not eligible for the blind concession TV licence.
Find out more about registering your sight loss.
Renewing your licence
If you are renewing your blind concession TV licence, you can make your payment, by cash or debit card, at any PayPoint outlet taking your renewal notice with you. TV Licensing payments can no longer be made at the Post Office.
You can also choose to pay in a number of other ways, including over the phone by debit or credit card, putting a cheque in the post, using the TV Licensing website or by Direct Debit.
Refunds
A blind person who has bought a full fee TV licence can apply for a 50 per cent refund.
Refunds are also available for previous years backdated to 1 April 2000. You would have to prove that you had had a licence for that period - that is, actually have the expired licences to hand and prove that you were blind on 1 April 2000 - and you will then be entitled to a refund of 50 per cent for each of the years.
Second homes
You can hold a blind concession TV licence for any other homes you may have. Provided the licences are in your name, you will be eligible for a 50 per cent reduction on each licence you hold.
Over 75's TV licence
People aged 75 and over are entitled to a free television licence. You need only apply once, then the licence is automatically renewed annually.
Interim licences are available for people aged 74 but who will be 75 during their next licence period. The TV licence must be in the name of the person aged 75 or over.
Sound only receivers
You do not require a TV licence if you use a digital set-top box solely to listen to television programmes through a hi-fi or stereo system. The set top box must be incapable of recording and must not be connected to a device capable of showing images.
TV Licensing can offer further advice and clarification.
More information
For any queries contact the TV Licensing Blind Concession Team on 0300 790 6115 or visit the TV Licensing website.
Find out more about digital television.