
Netflix viewers £1,000 BBC TV Licence fine risk this weekend
Every household in the UK is legally required to have a TV licence if they watch or record live TV, regardless of what channel it is on.
But if you do not use BBC iPlayer, watch or record live television then you do not need a TV Licence.
Typically, this has meant that those who solely watch television through Netflix or other streaming platforms do not need a TV Licence.
However, with Netflix now branching into showing live content, such as the upcoming Tudum Live event this weekend, that could now change.
As the event will be live streamed by Netflix, UK viewers wishing to watch will require a TV Licence to do so legally.
The BBC confirmed to Cord Busters last year that viewers will need to purchase a TV Licence if they are to watch live events on Netflix.
The majority of Netflix's content remains exempt from the TV Licence fee, as long as it is not being broadcast live.
These are the occasions where you do not need a TV Licence.
You do not need a TV Licence to watch:
You do need a TV Licence if you:
For those of us aged 75 or over who are in receipt of Pension Credit, the TV Licence can be obtained for free rather than costing £174.50.
Guidance from TV Licensing says: 'Free TV Licences are only available if you're 75 or over and you, or your partner living at the same address, are receiving Pension Credit.
'If you think you're eligible for a free licence but can't apply online, please call 0300 790 6117* and speak to one of our advisors to request an application form (our lines are open between 8.30am and 6.30pm, from Monday to Friday).
'Once we've received your application it may take a few weeks to process. If there are any problems we'll write to let you know. We may also call you if you have given us your phone number.
'There are separate arrangements in place for over 75s on the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey.'
Even if you do not meet the eligibility criteria for a free TV Licence you may be able to get some money back on yours, so long as it is no longer needed.
If you have already purchased a TV licence but do not watch or record live TV, or stream BBC iPlayer, you could be entitled to a refund worth £174.50.
Households across the UK can apply for a refund if you won't need your licence again before it expires, and you have at least one complete month left on it or the licence fee for you expired less than two years ago.
You can apply for a refund online here.
The amount you will be due in a refund will be worked out by TV Licensing, the organisation that issues TV licences.
They explain how they work out the amount you will be due here: 'Any refund due is calculated in unused months. You must have at least one complete month left on your licence that you won't need before it expires.
'So, you could get a refund for between one and 11 months, depending on how long you have left on your licence.
'You won't be eligible for a refund if there is less than one month between the cancellation date and the expiry date.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Record
15 hours ago
- Daily Record
Meghan Markle announces huge career update ahead of lifestyle brand restock
Meghan Markle has shared an exciting update as she gets set to launch her brand new As Ever products. The Duchess of Sussex's first batch of goods sold out within hours and now she is ready to launch her next load. Earlier this year, the mum of two announced the launch of her online venture and she revealed her first run of items for sale back in April. As part of that, she released a select number of products including Raspberry Spread in Keepsake Packaging, which retailed at $14 (£10) each. Another product Meghan released was Flower Sprinkles which costs $15 (£11) for each pack as well as a Limited Edition Wildflower Honey with Honeycomb, which was a costly $28 (£20). Other items on offer included a Herbal Hibiscus Tea as well as other teas including Lemon Ginger, Peppermint and there was also a Crepe Mix and Shortbread Cookie Mix with Flower Spinkles for sale, costing $14 (£10) each, writes the Mirror. She also retailed a Raspberry Spread at $9 (£6) per 215g. Most of these products are expected to be restocked in this new update today. She is also launching some new lines too, however is yet to reveal exactly what. The duchess shared on her Instagram page that she has been making jams for friends and family for years and wanted to share that love with the rest of the world. She wrote: "For years, I've been making jams, preserves, and fruit spreads for friends and family. The feedback from my loved ones was always the same: 'Starting my day with your jam makes me feel happy'. "These moments inspired me to dream up something far greater than I could create in my kitchen at home. I asked myself, 'What would it take to scale my fruit spreads into something I could share more broadly'?" She added: "Could I adapt my recipe into something that could bring more people that feeling of joy? And what else could I add to this collection to spark a smile, to make your day a bit easier, to elevate your everyday?" Meghan then explained that with "the support of an amazing team, dedicated focus, and hard work", they made it happen. She concluded: "As Ever, for me, is an extension of how I love. Through thoughtful gestures and small details, I hope this collection brings you as much joy as it does for those I hold close." The product launch comes shortly after it was announced that the former actress would be filming a second series of her recent Netflix show With Love Meghan, in which she bakes and cooks from scratch, as well as creates homemade items like candles and bath salts.


Daily Mirror
17 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
BBC TV licence - four groups of people who don't need to pay £174.50 fee
You need a TV licence to watch or record live TV, or to watch anything - whether it is live, or catch-up - on BBC iPlayer The TV licence fee has risen to £174.50 but there are specific groups of people who don't need to pay this, or can reduce their bill to zero. TV licence is paid either monthly, quarterly or yearly. You need a TV licence to watch or record live TV, or to watch anything - whether it is live, or catch-up - on BBC iPlayer. This is the case even if you're watching something on a laptop, computer, tablet or phone. If you're caught watching TV programmes that require a TV licence, then you could be fined up to £1,000. The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey, plus any legal costs or compensation you may be ordered to pay. However, if you're watching shows on catch-up using streaming services that aren't BBC iPlayer. This includes Netflix, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Disney Plus, YouTube, All 4 or My5 - then you don't need a TV licence. If you're tuning into live shows through these services, then you would need a TV licence. If you don't need a TV licence, you can fill in a declaration on the TV Licensing website. A message on the TV Licensing website reads: "We could visit your address to confirm if you need a TV licence. "If we find that you have been watching, recording or streaming programmes illegally, you risk prosecution and a fine for not having a TV licence of up to £1,000 plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay." You can pay for and renew your TV licence over the phone, online, at any PayPoint, or with a TV Licensing payment card. Are you eligible for free or cheap TV licence? There are some specific groups of people who can get a free, or cheap, TV licence. Check below to see if you fall into one of these categories. Over-75 and claiming Pension Credit: People aged over 75 who are claiming Pension Credit can get a free TV licence. Students living away from home: Students who are living away from home may also be covered if their parents have a TV licence, but only if they're watching TV on a device that isn't plugged into the mains, such as a phone, tablet or laptop. People who are blind or severely sight-impaired: If someone in your household is blind or severely sight-impaired, you'll get 50% off the cost of your TV licence. Residential care or sheltered accommodation: If you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, you may be able to apply for a concessionary TV licence which costs £7.50 per room, flat or bungalow.


Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
DWP breaks down Pension Credit barriers to help people claim £4,300 boost
A successful new claim for Pension Credit can unlock access to help with housing costs and Council Tax bills. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? To help more people over State Pension age access additional financial support over the coming months, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing its efforts to increase take-up of an income-related benefit worth over £4,300 this year. More than 700,000 older people are estimated to be entitled to Pension Credit, but not claiming it as they wrongly believe that because they have savings or own their own home they would not be eligible for the income top-up. Pension Credit can provide a top-up for single people on the New State Pension who have a total weekly income below £227.10, or couples with a combined weekly income of less than £346.60. There are currently 1.4 million people receiving additional financial support through Pension Credit, including over 125,000 living in Scotland. The Scottish and UK Governments have announced that all pensioners born before September 22, 1959 with an income below £35,000 will receive winter heating help this year. Pension Age Winter Fuel Payments will be issued to Scots on November 30. Pensioner households aged between 66 and 79 will receive £203.40, while those aged 80 and over will be paid £305.10. Winter Fuel Payments will be issued to pensioners in England Wales. Pensioner households aged between 66 and 79 will receive £200, while those aged 80 and over will be paid £300. Even though winter energy bill help will be issued to the majority of pensioners this year, there are still benefits to claiming Pension Credit - access to the £150 Warm Home Discount Scheme, help with housing costs, Council Tax discounts and free TV licences for the over-75s. Barriers to claiming Pension Credit The DWP aims to break down barriers to claiming and busts some of the most common myths people may have to encourage them to think again about applying. Older people may wrongly think they are not eligible because they: have savings own their own home may be working may be getting a small occupational pension may have been turned down in the past Other factors may be that they: do not want to be seen as needing to claim feel that they're able to manage do not think it's worth applying - as the amount they get will be very small do not recognise themselves as a Pension Credit claimant have not got around to it think it's a complex and confusing subject already get other help and do not want to mess up the benefits they are getting Eight Pension Credit myths busted Having listed some of the main reasons people of State Pension age may be put off from claiming Pension Credit, the DWP has also busted eight common myths about the benefit. They do not think they will be eligible for Pension Credit False - some 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including over 125,000 living in Scotland currently receive the extra financial support. They would get so little that it's not worth claiming False - DWP says the average Pension Credit payment is actually over £75 per week - that's well over an extra £3,900 per year. Plus, getting Pension Credit can provide a passport to help with things like rent, Council Tax, Winter Fuel Payment, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only), Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only), Cold Weather Payments (not Scotland) and a free TV licence for people aged 75 and over. They have savings, so will not qualify False - DWP explains that people can have savings or another pension and still get extra money. Unlike other income related benefits like Universal Credit, there is no capital cut-off limit and for Pension Credit savings of under £10,000 are ignored. They own their own home, so will not qualify False - DWP explains that homeowners can get Pension Credit too and that almost half of the people who get Pension Credit own their own home. They are not eligible for Pension Credit - it's for 'old' people False - People can claim as soon as they reach the qualifying age, which is now State Pension age - 66 for both men and women. They cannot get a State Pension, so they will not be eligible False - DWP said that they may be entitled to Pension Credit - even if they're not entitled to a State Pension. They have been turned down for Pension Credit before, so it's not worth applying again False - DWP said that personal circumstances could have changed and their income or capital may have changed as a result. The first £10,000 of savings will be ignored when working out if someone can get Pension Credit. It is too complicated and claiming is not worth the effort False - DWP has simplified the process and people can claim with one free phone call to the Pension Credit claim line. However, there are other ways to claim such as a paper claim form, which can be downloaded from the website or an online claim can be made - find out more here. Pension Credit Help to claim Quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK Below is an overview of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it, how much you could get and where to get help filling in the form. Who can claim Pension Credit? There are two types of Pension Credit - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be State Pension age (66). Your weekly income will need to be less than the minimum amount the UK Government says you need to live on. This is £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple - this amount could be higher if you're disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs. You can only get Savings Credit if: you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it you have qualifying income of at least £198.27 a week for a single person and £314.34 a week for a couple How much could you receive from DWP? Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to: £227.10 for a single person £346.60 for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting) You might be able to get more than this if you're disabled or a carer, or you have certain housing costs. Savings Credit can give you up to: £17.30 a week for a single person £19.36 a week for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting). The exact amount you'll get depends on your income and savings. Your income includes assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000. Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payments or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. How to use the Pension Credit calculator To use the calculator on you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments You'll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented by a series of questions with multiple choice answer options. This includes: Your date of birth Your residential status Where in the UK you live Whether you are registered blind Which benefits you currently receive How much you receive each week for any benefits you get Whether someone is paid Carer's Allowance to look after you How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions Any employment earnings Any savings, investments or bonds you have Once you have answered these questions, a summary screen shows your responses, allowing you to go back and change any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then displays how much benefit you could receive each week. All you have to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you're receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim. Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator? You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner: are deferring your State Pension own more than one property are self employed have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim Article continues below To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.