Broadcasting fee: Who pays and who can be exempted

In short: The broadcasting fee is paid per household, not per person or device; trainees with BAföG or BAB can be exempted.

In more detail: The fee finances ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio and is collected by the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice. It currently amounts to around 18 euros a month per household; businesses and vehicles have separate rules. Amounts and rules change; check the current status with the responsible body.

In Depth

Basic rule

One person per household has to pay, regardless of how many live there or whether a TV and radio exist. In a shared flat you split the fee, but the person registered is liable. Those living with their parents are covered by their household. Registration of the household happens by moving in; letters from the Beitragsservice should not be ignored.

Exemption and reduction

On request, recipients of BAföG (when not living with parents), vocational training allowance, citizen’s income, social assistance, housing benefit in certain cases and people with certain disabilities (reduced) are exempted, among others. In addition there are hardship applications. The application is made with the authority’s notice and is valid for a limited time; it often works only retroactively for three years or not at all, so apply early.

Second home, moving, deregistering

A second home can possibly be exempted. When moving into a shared flat with someone who already pays, you can deregister. On moving out deregister immediately, otherwise the fee keeps running. A deliberately unpaid fee leads to reminders, late fees and enforcement.

Notes

Data transmission to the Beitragsservice happens via registration offices. Send enquiries in writing or via the online account, keep notices and attach the proof of exemption. In disputes consumer advice centres help.

See also: BAB and BAföG, Rental contract