Martin Lewis' MSE issues urgent message to anyone who pays for TV Licence

Martin Lewis' MSE has issued a warning to anyone who pays for their TV Licence.

You usually need a TV Licence to watch or record programmes on a TV, a computer or another device as they're broadcast (in other words, if they are live) as well as on-demand shows on BBC iPlayer.

However, there are some instances where you shouldn't be paying for one at all.

You need a TV Licence to watch live TV (Getty Stock Image)

Currently, an annual TV Licence costs £169.50, however this is set to increase by £5 on 1 April. It increased last year, too, from £159 the previous year.

When do you need a TV Licence?

With the increase of streaming platforms being used over standard telly, many people have wondered whether they actually need a TV Licence.

For example, you don't need one for the likes of Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video, or the likes of All4 or ITVX.

You also don't need one for YouTube or to watch DVDs.

Your TV Licence covers your household, no matter how many devices you have and if you pay for a licence at home, in most cases it covers you on your mobile device outside of the home, too.

The cost of the licence funds broadcasting by the BBC and makes up around 71 percent of its income.

You can be fined up to £1,000 without a licence (Getty Stock Image)

When don't you need a TV Licence?

There are a few circumstances in which you don't need to pay the fee and these might have changed for you since you last forked out.

In a post over on the Money Saving Expert website, it's explained that you might actually be due a refund if any of the following apply:

• If you're moving in with someone who already has a TV Licence or moving somewhere where you won't watch 'live TV' or use BBC iPlayer
• If you're moving abroad
• If you're 75 or over and receiving Pension Credit (or living with someone who is)
• If you're moving into a care home
• If the TV Licence holder has died, a refund may be due to the estate
• If you have two licences for the same address
• If you have a licence, but will not watch or record programmes as they're being shown on TV or use BBC iPlayer before your licence expires
• If you've changed the type of licence to a cheaper one, such as a black-and-white licence, you may be due a partial refund

You don't need a TV Licence for Netflix or Disney+ (Getty Stock Image)

You can apply online for a refund up to two years after the expiry date of your licence.

It's important to remember that if you are eligible to pay for a TV Licence, you can be fined up to £1,000 (or, £2,000 if you live in Guernsey) if you don't have one.