State pensioners waking up to BBC TV Licence bills being reduced from £169 to £0

State pensioners are waking up to £169 reductions in their BBC TV licence bills with charges slashed to £0. Zero bills are being celebrated by state pensioners who've found they can reduce their bill by a staggering 100 per cent.

BBC viewers can get a free TV licence, saving them up to £169.50 per year. It is illegal to watch live TV without a licence, and you could be fined up to £1,000 if you're caught - but there are exemptions to be made, TV Licensing states.

If you are claiming the state pension and are aged 75 or over, you could get the licence for free if you are claiming pension credit. If you’re over 75 and not in receipt of pension credit you have to pay for a TV licence, which could be up to £169.50 a year.

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You can also get a free licence if your partner claims pension credit but you do not. TV Licensing explains on its website: "If you or someone you live with are over 74 and receive Pension Credit you can apply for a free TV Licence. Pension Credit can be in the name of the licence holder, or in their partner’s name if they are a couple.

"If you or your partner don’t receive Pension Credit you’ll need to continue to pay for your licence. If you live in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man, different conditions may apply. We recommend you apply for a free TV Licence when you’re 74. It makes things simpler when you turn 75."

It goes on to say: "If your application is accepted, you’ll still need to pay for your TV Licence until your 75th birthday. So, please don’t change or cancel your current payment method. Find out how to get a free licence and pension credit."