This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Your mother does not have to pay for her TV licence all at once. There are ways of spreading the cost – for example, paying once a month or quarterly. If your mother gets benefits, is on a low income or doesn't have a bank account, she can apply to pay weekly or fortnightly under the Cash Easy Entry scheme.

If your mother is 75 or over, she can get a free TV licence.  For further information, telephone TV Licensing on 0300 790 6071, or their Welsh hotline on 0300 790 6042.

Some phone providers may offer cheaper rates. For example, BT has a scheme called BT Basic which offers reduced-price line rental and an allowance of free calls to people who get the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit.

If your mother is disabled, she may be able to get help with her phone bill. Her local authority or social services may be able to help with phone installation costs, line rental or bills.

For more information about TV licences, see About TV licences.

For more information about telephone services, see Phones, TV, Internet and computers.

For more information about benefits for people over 60, see Benefits for people over sixty.

For more information about benefits available for disabled people, see Benefits for people who are sick or disabled.

Other Frequently asked questions about communications:

• How can I stop unwanted phone calls?
• I want to buy a mobile phone - where do I start?
• My mobile phone has been stolen, what can I do?
• Do I need a TV licence at university?
• How can I find out about the digital switchover?