Since August 2021, every household in Germany has had to pay a broadcasting license fee of EUR 18.36 per month. These costs are independent of how many televisions, computers or radios are in the household. The number of residents is also irrelevant.
However, certain groups of people can bypass the “ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Contribution Service”.
Broadcasting fee: Who can be exempted
Certain groups of people can apply for exemption from the broadcasting fee under certain conditions. This applies to the following groups:
- Students who receive BAföG and do not live with their parents. This also applies to people who receive vocational training grants or training allowances.
- People who are blind or deaf only have to pay a third of the license fee. For this it is important that the mark “RF” is in the severely disabled pass.
- Deaf-blind people or recipients of aid for the blind can be completely exempted from the broadcasting fee.
- Asylum seekers or tolerated persons who receive benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.
- Recipients of social benefits such as unemployment benefit II (citizen’s allowance) or social benefits.
Some pensioners can be exempted from the broadcasting fee
If pensioners receive basic security in old age or reduced earning capacity, they can be exempted from the broadcasting fee. There are also exceptions to the broadcasting fee for people who need care. A degree of care (formerly care level) is not sufficient here. Certain services are required.
For example, if someone lives in Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen or Rhineland-Palatinate and receives care allowance, they can be exempted from the GEZ. In addition, care assistance under SGB XII (Chapter 7) and care allowances under the Burden Equalization Act are grounds for exemption.
Even if someone moves into a nursing home, they can deregister from the GEZ fee.
In certain cases of hardship, no license fee has to be paid either
A case of hardship may be applied for. This could work in the following cases:
- The income exceeds the requirement limit for social benefits by less than the EUR 18.36 broadcasting fee.
- Social benefits such as unemployment benefit II are waived, although there is an entitlement.
- In certain cases, you can also be exempted from the broadcasting fee if you are studying and are excluded from receiving BAfög. This is the case, for example, when completing a second degree.
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How can I be exempted from the GEZ?
In order to be exempted from the GEZ, you must send an application to the contribution service. You will find a corresponding form here. Fill it out, print it out and sign it. A form for exemption from the broadcasting fee is also available from some of the city’s authorities, such as the job center or a BAföG office.
Send this – together with the required documents and proof – to the contribution service. But only send copies to the appropriate place, no original documents. The address is as follows: ARD ZDF Germany radio contribution service, 50656 Cologne.
You should then receive confirmation of your exemption from the contribution service. Also good to know: An exemption from broadcasting fees can be retrospective for three years.
For further reading: 1.1 million pensioners can look forward to the basic pension being paid out
