Exemption from the broadcasting fee
Exemption from or reduction of the broadcasting license fee for recipients of certain social benefits or people with disabilities.
Wo wohnen Sie?
Damit wir Exemption from the broadcasting fee mit dem zuständigen Beitragsservice in Ihrer Stadt anzeigen können.
Oder Großstadt wählen:
Sie werden zur geführten Suche weitergeleitet – mit Kontaktdaten, Termin und nächsten Schritten für Exemption from the broadcasting fee.
Quick answer
- 1
Documents you need
Current Benefit Notice
- 2
Responsible authority
The authority of your main residence
- 3
How to do it
Apply directly online
- 4
Costs
Kostenlos über ELSTER
How to proceed
- 1
Check the requirements
Please have your current decision regarding the citizen's income, basic income support, BAföG, housing allowance, or similar benefits ready.
- 2
Submit your application online or by mail
Submit the form to the ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio subscription service.
- 3
Wait for the decision
If the application is approved, the contribution account will be suspended retroactively as of the month of application.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Recipients of basic income, basic social security benefits, BAföG, housing assistance, and individuals with the “RF” designation on their disability ID card.
Income limit
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 months
Success rate
approx. 85.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •The current benefit determination is missing from the application
- •Application submitted only after receiving the notice of assessment, rather than in advance
Common reasons for rejection
- •Benefit notice is no longer valid or is missing
- •The conditions for exemption are no longer met
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
File a written objection within 30 days – with reasons why the decision is wrong and any missing evidence.
Questions & Answers
Can I be exempted retroactively?▼
Retroactive exemption is only possible for up to 3 years prior to the filing of the application, provided the requirements were met.
Freshness & source
- Maintenance
- Continuously reviewed & updated
- Source
- ELSTER – Finanzverwaltung
- Data quality
- 100 %