ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio contribution service

Broadcasting fee - apply for exemption

Under certain conditions, you can apply for an exemption from broadcasting fees.

Use Online-Service

broadcasting fee

Detailed description

If you receive state social benefits, you can apply to be exempted from paying the broadcasting fee. These benefits include, for example:

  • unemployment benefit II (Hartz IV)
  • social assistance
  • BAföG (for students)
  • basic security in old age or in case of incapacity for work

Even if you receive assistance for the blind or are deaf-blind, you can apply for an exemption from the broadcasting fee.

 

Information

Prerequisites

You receive

  • Social benefits or your income exceeds the need limit for social benefits by less than 17.50 euros (for this you need a rejection notice showing this slight excess of income).
  • blind assistance or are deaf-blind.

If you pay the broadcasting fee for your main residence and are also liable to pay the fee for your secondary residence, you can obtain an exemption from the broadcasting fee obligation for your secondary residence.

Documents required

  • Request
  • Proof of receipt of the social benefits mentioned (approval notices from the social benefit provider)
  • Evidence of deafblindness
  • Proof of receipt of assistance for the blind
  • if necessary further evidence

Please note

If you have a severe disability and the symbol RF is entered on your severely disabled person's ID card, you can apply for a reduction in the broadcasting fee.

Deadlines

Apply for exemption within 2 months after you have received the notice of broadcasting fee obligation.




Your approval letter will state the date from which the exemption applies.

Procedure

  • You submit your application with all required documents to the responsible authority.
  • The responsible authority will examine your application and documents. If necessary, it will request further documents or information from you.
  • The responsible authority will decide on your application.
  • You will receive a notification.

Processing time

It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks to process your application. If you are already paying broadcasting fees due to the processing time, these will be refunded or offset against you.

Fees

There are no fees.

Legal remedies

contradiction

Legal basis

Broadcasting Contribution State Treaty (RBStV)


https://www.rundfunkteil.de/e175/e4794/Rundfunkbeitratsstaatsvertrag.pdf

Links on the Internet

Address and contact information

ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio contribution service

Haven't found the right one yet?

To Hamburg Service startpage

Keywords: License fee exemption Radio and television license fee exemption Television license fee exemption GEZ fee exemption Exemption from the license fee TV license exemption move Radio, membership fee, exemption Radio, contribution obligation, exemption Fee collection center, exemption License fee, exemption Public broadcasting, exemption TV fee, exemption Television, liberation ARD, ZDF, Deutschlandradio, Liberation

Last updated: 06.02.2026