Migrants Don’t Get Free TV License
The Claim
While pensioners have to pay for a television license in England, migrants get it for free.
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Emerging story
In summer 2020, users on social media began sharing the claim and saying that “Old People’s Lives Matter.”
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar’s investigation found that the claim is false. It likely started after England ended a program providing free TV licenses for those over age 75 on August 1, 2020.
Migrants are not provided with a free TV license. On the official government UK Visas and Immigration page, it reads: “Your accommodation provider is not expected to provide you with a television, but if you do obtain a television or watch TV programmes online, you will need to obtain a TV licence. This includes watching catch-up TV on laptops or mobile devices. If you watch TV without a TV licence, you could be prosecuted.”
Further, even though the UK TV licensing unit is ending the program to provide free licenses to those over 75, people over 75 who receive Pension Credit are eligible to receive a free TV license.
