TV Licences in Care Homes: What Residents and Families Need to Know

Topic cluster: Life in a Care Home | Reading time: 4 min

Television remains one of the most popular pastimes for older people in care homes — and questions about TV licences come up regularly for families arranging care. The rules can be confusing: care homes operate under a different licensing structure from private households, and residents' existing licences no longer apply once they move in. This guide explains clearly who is responsible for TV licences in care homes, what concessions exist, and what you need to do.

Who Is Responsible for the TV Licence in a Care Home?

The care home itself is responsible for holding a TV licence that covers communal areas (lounges, dining rooms, activity rooms). This is the care home's responsibility and cost — residents and families do not need to arrange this separately for communal TV viewing.

For residents who want to watch television in their own room, the situation depends on the type of accommodation and the care home's licence:

If the care home has a residential accommodation licence (TV Licensing "accommodation for residential care" scheme): The care home pays a single fee that covers individual residents' rooms as well as communal areas. Residents in this case do NOT need their own TV licence.
If the care home does not hold this extended licence: Each resident who has a TV in their room will need their own TV licence.

Ask the care home which arrangement applies.

The Free TV Licence (Over 75s)

Since August 2020, free TV licences are only available to households where someone is aged 75 or over AND receives Pension Credit.

For care home residents aged 75+:

If they receive Pension Credit, they can apply for a free TV licence covering their room
If they do not receive Pension Credit, a standard TV licence (£174.50/year in 2025/26) applies — unless the care home's group licence covers them

What About the TV Licence at the Family Home?

If your parent has moved permanently into a care home, the TV licence at their previous home should be cancelled (if it was in their name). You can apply for a refund for any remaining full months.

Contact TV Licensing at tvlicensing.co.uk or call 0300 790 6131.

Summary Checklist

☐ Ask the care home whether their licence covers individual rooms or communal areas only
☐ If rooms aren't covered, check whether your parent needs their own licence
☐ If your parent is 75+ and receives Pension Credit, apply for a free licence
☐ Cancel the licence at your parent's former home if they have moved permanently
☐ Check the care home is up to date with its own licensing obligations

Settling your parent into a care home? homeformum.com helps families at every stage — finding the right home, navigating the move, and understanding practical details like these.