General information
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. You can ask for your correspondence to be provided in a way that suits you - in braille, large print, audio and electronic formats.
Over 75's TV licence
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People aged 75 and over are entitled to a free television licence.
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You need only apply once, then the licence is automatically renewed annually.
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Interim licences are available for people aged 74 but who will be 75 during their next licence period.
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The TV licence must be in the name of the person aged 75 or over - therefore if your grandmother lives with you, get the licence in her name and you can have a free licence for the household.
Second homes
You can hold a blind concession TV licence for any other homes you may have, for instance a weekend cottage. Provided the licences are in your name, you will be eligible for a 50 per cent reduction on each licence you hold.
Sound only receivers
People who use a digital set top box in conjunction with a hi-fi system or some other device that can only produce or record sounds and do not install or use any other TV receiving equipment will not require a licence.
Refunds
A blind person who has bought a full fee licence can, upon showing their proof of entitlement, apply at any time during the licence year for a 50 per cent refund.
Refunds are also available for previous years backdated to 1 April 2000, even if you didn't find out about the blind concession for, say, five years. 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 backdated refund of 50 per cent for each of the five years.
Getting a concessionary TV license
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.
Removal of "five-year rule"
Beneficiaries are no longer required to produce proof of entitlement every five years, provided the BBC is satisfied that the proof previously provided is sufficient to establish continued entitlement.
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
which TV Licensing will validate.
TV Licensing will then send you a letter confirming the details and the payment amount, which you can then take to any PayPoint outlet to pay for your licence by cash or debit card. You can also choose to pay in any one of the other ways outlined above.
TV Licensing can provide leaflets on paying for your TV licence at PayPoint outlets in large print or braille - please contact TV Licensing on 0845 603 6999.
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 licence.
Find out more about registering your sight loss.
More information
For any queries contact the TV Licensing Blind Concession Team on 0844 800 5875 or visit the TV Licensing website. Remember to always get the name of the person that you speak to.
If you are experiencing problems please contact the RNIB Media and Culture Department by emailing audiodescription@rnib.org.uk or telephone 020 7391 2398.
Find out more about digital television.