MoneyTV LicensingThe Government recently issued a statement about the policyNicholas Dawson07:03, 08 Jul 2026Pressure is mounting for a £180 discount scheme to be extended to include all pensioners. You may want to check if you are eligible as several groups of older people already qualify for the support.‌The scheme in question allows certain pensioners to receive a free TV licence, saving them £180 annually for a standard colour licence. You're entitled to this benefit if you're aged 75 or over and receive Pension Credit. Some other groups of older people or those with specific medical conditions may also qualify. The eligibility criteria were tightened back in 2020, as before this anyone aged 75 and above could get a free TV licence. Now a Government petition is demanding the rules be broadened so that "all pensioners" become eligible.‌The petition reads: "We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age. When people reach retirement age, we think they should receive a state-financed free TV licence."‌The campaign continues to gain momentum daily, now reaching 50,000 signatures. Should the petition hit 100,000 signatures, Parliament will be obliged to consider debating the matter.'Retirement age' questionThe petition doesn't specify what "retirement age" means. If referring to the state pension age, this is currently rising from 66 to 67, with the increase being phased in gradually between April 2026 and April 2028.State Pensioners to face major tax change‌Legislation is also in place to raise the state pension age from 67 to 68 between 2044 and 2046, though there have been discussions about bringing this timetable forward. Campaigners may also be referring to the age at which you can begin withdrawing your pension, currently set at 55.This is set to rise to 57 from April 2028, coinciding with when the state pension age will reach 67. The petition sets out its reasons for why eligibility should be extended to all pensioners.'Double outrage'The petition reads: "Many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company. With the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession.‌"We feel it is a double outrage that those who have given their all to this country in taxes and raising children have to pay a TV licence fee and are only exempt if they receive means-tested Pension Credit. Meanwhile, some media figures draw huge salaries."Once the petition hit 10,000 signatures, the Government was obliged to provide an official response. The Department for Culture, Media & Sport issued its reply on June 1.Article continues belowWho is eligible for a free TV licence?The organisation confirmed there is "no BBC concession to provide free TV licences for all pensioners at this time". The statement also clarifies who presently qualifies for a free TV licence.The department said: "TV Licence concessions are set out in legislation and are currently available to people who are registered blind or severely sight impaired, as well as to over-75s in receipt of Pension Credit, and people living in qualifying residential care who are disabled or over 60 years old. The Government is committed to the current licence fee and its available concessions for the remainder of this Charter period, until the end of 2027."You can sign your support for the petition on the Parliament website.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌BBCPensionsRetirement ageState pensionPoliticsTV Licensing AuthorityTV LicensingDepartment for Work and PensionsITV