Exemption from the licence fee
Exemption from the licence fee is possible for those entitled to benefits, trainees and holders of a severely disabled pass with the RF mark.
Description
Persons entitled to benefits according to the following regulations can be exempted from the licence fee:
- Unemployment benefit II (SGB II)
- Social assistance (Chapter 3 SGB XII)
- Basic income support in old age and in the event of reduced earning capacity (Chapter 4 SGB XII)
- Care assistance (7th chapter of SGB XII)
In addition, an exemption or reduction is also possible in the following cases, among others:
- Beneficiaries under the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act
- Trainees who receive a training allowance (BAB, BAFöG)
- Holders of a severely disabled person's pass (mark RF)
Procedure:
- The application for exemption from the obligation to pay the licence fee is available at the Sozialbürgerhaus. Together with a notice of authorisation in accordance with the above-mentioned regulations, a certificate will also be sent for submission to the Beitragsservice.
- The application and the certificate must be submitted directly by the beneficiary to the Beitragsservice (ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio, Beitragsservice, 50656 Cologne) or can be forwarded by your Sozialbürgerhaus on request. The Beitragsservice will decide on the application for exemption.
Required documents
If you receive benefits according to SGB II or SGB XII, no further documents are required.
Questions & Answers
Is it possible to be exempted from licence fees even if I have a low income and do not receive benefits in accordance with the above-mentioned regulations?
According to the new regulations, an exemption is possible in cases of hardship. This is decided by the ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio contribution service.
Legal basis
Interstate Broadcasting Treaty (RBStV)