Jersey Television Licence Scheme
Download the leaflet by clicking on the link below Jersey Television Licence Scheme
Part One
What is the Jersey Television Licence Scheme?
The Jersey Television Licence Scheme enables people on low incomes who have reached the age of 75 or over to have their television licence paid for them if they live in a domestic household. The scheme also provides for people below the age of 75 to claim the benefit if they have a person aged 75 or above permanently living with them and that person meets the necessary criteria. The Jersey Television Licence Scheme operates under the Social Security (Television Licence Benefit) (Jersey) Regulations 2006.
Part Two
How do you know if you qualify?
The criteria to qualify under the Scheme is listed below. Please read this list to see if you qualify.
• You have reached the age of 75.
• Your income is below the income bar. This is £12,770 for a single person and £20,720 for a couple. (income means all forms of income including pensions, benefits and bank interest).
• You live in a domestic household.
• You are required by Law to have a television licence or to renew your licence.
• You have a qualifying person residing with you and you are below the age of 75. (for example: a person has their mother or father living with them who would qualify if they lived alone).
Part Three
How to apply
Application forms can be obtained by visiting the Social Security Department or by calling us on 445505. If you are unable to complete the application form yourself please see Part Six (appointing an agent). If you wish to discuss your application our staff will be more than happy to assist you.
The application form should be returned to the Social Security Department as soon as possible. Every application form must be accompanied by either a Notice of Renewal for a TV Licence or evidence in the form of an actual TV Licence that the fee has been paid. If you do not receive a Jersey Old Age Pension the Department may ask to see your birth certificate.
It should be noted that any questions regarding the application or entitlement under the Scheme should be referred to the Social Security Department and not the BBC Licensing Authority or Jersey Post.
Part Four
What happens when you have completed the application form?
When you have completed the application form please send it to the Social Security Department. The details on the form will be examined to confirm and verify that entitlement under the Scheme is present. You may choose to receive the value of the television licence directly into your bank account or alternatively staff at the Social Security Department will liaise directly with the BBC who will in turn despatch your renewed licence or new licence to you.
Customers are reminded to change any Direct Debit arrangements they might have with the BBC if they wish for the Social Security Department to liaise with the BBC on their behalf.
Part Five
When does the scheme take effect?
You will receive your first payment when the licence comes up for renewal after your 75 birthday. Part payments are not possible under the scheme.
Part Six
Appointing an agent
If you wish to appoint someone to act on your behalf you should complete Part 5 of the application form.
Part Seven
What do I do with stamps I have previously bought to pay for my television licence?
If you benefit under this Scheme to have your television licence paid you might have previously saved up to cover future costs for your licence on a Television Licence Savings stamp card. If this is the case stamps can be redeemed by writing directly to the TV Licensing Authority, Bristol, BS98 1TL. It is strongly advised that you send your card by Special Delivery to the Television Licence Authority who will forward you payment to the value of the stamps you have collected. It should be noted that you cannot exchange your stamped card for cash at a Post Office branch.
Part Eight
What to do if you disagree with the Department’s decision
If you believe you are entitled to have your television licence paid for by the Social Security Department but your application has been disallowed, you can appeal if you wish. To appeal you will need to fill in an application form which can be obtained by visiting the Social Security Department or calling us on 445505.
Part Nine
Further Information
This leaflet gives general information and does not try to give full details on any particular matter. It cannot be treated as a statement of Law.
Contact us if you have any questions or suggestions about information contained in this leaflet.
Our staff are here to help you. Please telephone us on 445505 or call at our office in La Motte Street.
The Social Security Department is covered by the Jersey Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2005.
Please note: calls to the Department may be monitored for training purposes.
Other leaflets that may be of interest
• People with Disabilities and Carers
• The Jersey 65+ Health Plan
• Health Insurance Exception
• Pensions
• Survivors Benefit
Large print versions of most of our leaflets are available. Please call us on 445505 and we will be happy to send them to you.
