The broadcasting fee, formerly often referred to as the GEZ fee or broadcasting license fee, affects nearly every household in Germany. Currently, the fee is 18.36 euros per household per month and is used to fund ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio. However, not everyone has the same financial means. For many, this raises an important question: Is it possible to be exempted from the broadcasting fee or to receive a reduction?
Uncertainties Regarding the Broadcasting Fee: These Questions Are on the Minds of Many Affected Individuals
In particular, people with disabilities, seniors, individuals in need of long-term care, and recipients of social benefits such as the citizen’s income, basic income support, social assistance, housing assistance, or BAföG are entitled, under certain conditions, to an exemption from or a reduction in the broadcasting license fee. The legal basis for this is, in particular, Section 4 of the State Treaty on Broadcasting Fees, as well as supplementary provisions from Book XII of the Social Code (SGB XII), such as Section 72 of SGB XII.
In practice, however, there is often uncertainty:
- Who exactly is required to pay the broadcasting license fee?
- What reasons are considered valid grounds for exemption?
- What role do severe disability, the degree of disability, a severe disability card, or the RF designation play?
- Does the exemption from the broadcasting license fee also apply to people in nursing homes or other care facilities?
- How does the application for an exemption or reduction work through the ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio contribution service?
- And is it possible to file the application retroactively for up to three years?
What is the broadcasting fee?
The broadcasting fee is a legally mandated levy used to fund public broadcasting in Germany. It has replaced the former GEZ fee, or broadcasting fee, since 2013 and is collected regardless of whether radio, television, or online services are actually used. The fee is currently 18.36 euros per month per household.
Funding for ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio
The broadcasting fee is used to fund the programs and services of ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio.
These include:
- Television channels (e.g., Das Erste, ZDF, regional third channels),
- Radio programming (radio stations),
- Online content, media libraries, and accessible resources.
The legislature's goal is to ensure an independent basic supply of information, education, culture, and entertainment for everyone, regardless of income, age, or social status.
Mandatory contributions per apartment rather than per person
A key change from the previous regulation is the requirement to pay a broadcasting fee per household.
- It is not each person, but each apartment that is subject to the fee.
- It does not matter how many people live in a household.
- Nor does the presence of televisions, radios, or internet-enabled devices matter anymore.
The aim is to make the system simpler and more equitable. Nevertheless, this rule often places a financial burden on people with low incomes, recipients of social benefits, or people with disabilities.
Legal Basis for the Broadcasting Fee
The legal basis is the State Treaty on Broadcasting Fees (RBStV).
Among other things, it governs the following:
- the obligation to pay fees (Section 2 of the RBStV),
- the amount of the contribution,
- as well as exemptions or reductions in special cases (Section 4 of the State Treaty on Broadcasting Fees).
Section 4 of the RBStV is particularly important for many affected individuals, as it clearly defines who is eligible for an exemption from the broadcasting license fee or a reduction, and under what conditions—for example, in cases of severe disability, need for long-term care, receipt of social assistance, basic income support for the elderly, or the citizen’s income.
Why Exemptions or Reductions Are So Important
For people with low incomes or higher living expenses—such as those resulting from long-term care, a disability, or medical care—the monthly premium of 18.36 euros can be a significant financial burden.
That is why it is important to know that the legislature has provided for social exemptions and that no one is required to pay the broadcasting fee if the conditions for an exemption from the obligation to pay the broadcasting fee are met.
Who is required to pay the broadcasting license fee?
As a general rule in Germany, every residence is subject to the broadcasting license fee. It does not matter how many people live there or whether broadcasting services are actually used. This rule often raises questions, particularly among seniors, people with disabilities, those in need of long-term care, or recipients of social benefits. This makes it all the more important to know exactly who is required to pay and who is not.
Contribution Requirement per Apartment and Household
According to the State Treaty on Broadcasting Fees, an apartment is defined as any enclosed space that:
- is suitable for living or sleeping,
- has its own entrance,
- and is not used exclusively for commercial purposes.
It doesn't matter whether it's:
- a rental apartment,
- a single-family home,
- a room in a shared apartment
. For each apartment, a broadcasting fee of 18.36 euros per month is generally charged, regardless of the number of residents in the household.
Within a household, the fee needs to be paid only once. The people living there can decide among themselves who will pay the fee.
Who is considered a person subject to contributions?
As a general rule, the adult who occupies the residence is responsible for paying the rent.
For example:
- Tenants,
- Owner,
- Primary tenants in shared living arrangements.
Pensioners, students, apprentices, and recipients of basic income support, social assistance, or unemployment benefits (Unemployment Benefit II) are also initially required to pay the broadcasting fee, unless there is a recognized reason for exemption or they are entitled to a reduction in the broadcasting fee.
Special Cases: Nursing Homes, Care Facilities, and Assisted Living
Special rules apply to people who:
- in a nursing home,
- an inpatient facility,
- or in assisted living.
In many cases, such accommodations are not considered separate dwellings under broadcasting license fee law. Residents of long-term care facilities may therefore often be exempt from the broadcasting license fee, provided they do not maintain their own separate living space with a separate household. Here, too, an application must be submitted to the license fee service.
When is the obligation to pay contributions waived?
The obligation to pay the broadcasting fee is waived or reduced if:
- an exemption from the obligation to pay the broadcasting license fee is granted,
- a discount applies (e.g., for certain types of severe disabilities),
- or the person is already registered for benefits based on another residence.
Important: The exemption is not granted automatically, but only upon application and with appropriate documentation, such as a notice of social benefits or a disability ID card.
When is a person entitled to an exemption?
An individual is entitled to an exemption from the broadcasting license fee whenever the legislature determines that payment of the fee would constitute an unreasonable financial burden or when there are special health-related or social reasons. The relevant provisions are set forth in Section 4 of the State Treaty on Broadcasting License Fees (RBStV) and, supplementarily, in the Social Code, particularly in SGB XII.
Important to know: Exemption from the obligation to pay the broadcasting license fee is not granted automatically. Those affected must actively apply for an exemption by submitting an application to the ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio fee collection service and providing the necessary supporting documentation.
General Requirements for an Exemption
A person is generally entitled to an exemption if they receive certain government benefits to cover their living expenses or have a recognized severe disability.
The most common grounds for exemption include:
- Receipt of social assistance under SGB XII, e.g., living expenses assistance or basic income support for the elderly,
- Receipt of the Citizens' Income (formerly Unemployment Benefit II or Social Assistance),
- BAföG benefits, provided the student does not live with their parents,
- Receiving basic income support in the event of reduced earning capacity,
- Benefits under Section 72 of SGB XII,
- Admission to an inpatient facility or a nursing home,
- Recognized severe disability with specific classification codes.
These individuals are considered particularly vulnerable, as their income usually barely covers their basic living expenses.
Exemption or Reduction—What's the Difference?
A basis for exemption does not always automatically result in a full exemption. Generally, a distinction is made between:
- Exemption from the broadcasting fee:
→ No fee is required. - Reduction in the broadcasting fee:
→ The fee is reduced to one-third, which currently amounts to 6.12 euros per month.
Which provision applies depends on individual circumstances, the degree of disability, the designation on the severely disabled person’s ID card, or the type of social benefit.
Important: The application is crucial
Unless an application is submitted, the obligation to pay premiums remains in effect, even if there is an objective entitlement to an exemption or reduction. The premium service will decide on the entitlement only after receiving the completed form and supporting documentation.
GEZ Exemption for Severe Disabilities (Code RF)
For many people with disabilities, the "severe disability" is a key reason for applying for an exemption or reduction in the broadcasting license fee. The decisive factor here is not only the degree of disability, but specifically a special designation on the severe disability card: the RF designation.
What does the RF designation mean?
The RF designation stands for “exemption from or reduction of the broadcasting fee” and is granted to individuals who, due to their disability, are permanently unable to attend public events or can do so only to a very limited extent.
These include, among other things:
- People with severe visual impairments or blindness,
- People with severe hearing loss,
- People with significant physical or mental disabilities,
- People who, because of their disability, are permanently confined to their homes.
The legal basis for this is provided by Section 4(2) of the State Treaty on Broadcasting Fees, in conjunction with provisions of social welfare law.
Exemption or Reduction for the RF Designation?
The RF designation does not result in a complete exemption, but rather in a reduction in the broadcasting fee.
Specifically, this means:
- Instead of 18.36 euros, those affected pay only one-third of that amount—that is, 6.12 euros per month.
- This reduction in the broadcasting fee applies permanently as long as the RF designation is recognized.
In cases of severe disability, a full exemption from the broadcasting fee is only possible if the individual also receives social benefits such as basic income support, welfare, or a basic income allowance.
What role does the degree of disability play?
The degree of disability (GdB)does not, on its own, entitle the holder to an exemption or reduction. Only in conjunction with:
- the RF designation,
- or the receipt of certain benefits under SGB XII,
gives rise to a legally enforceable claim.
Example:
A person with a GdB of 80, but without the RF designation and without social benefits, must pay the broadcasting fee. However, if that same person receives basic income support for the elderly under § 41 et seq. of SGB XII, they are eligible for a full exemption.
Supporting Documentation for the Application
To qualify for the discount for severe disability, the following documents must be included with the application submitted to the Contribution Service:
- a copy of the disability ID card,
- identified by the RF designation,
- If applicable, a current notice regarding supplemental social benefits.
Reduction in the Broadcasting License Fee for People with Disabilities
Not every disability automatically qualifies a person for an exemption or reduction in the broadcasting fee. However, there are various ways for people with disabilities to obtain at least a reduction in the broadcasting fee—or, indirectly, an exemption—even without an RF designation, provided certain requirements are met.
No automatic discount without the RF code
The degree of disability alone—even in the case of a recognized severe disability—is not legally sufficient to qualify for a reduction.
This means:
- A disability ID card without the RF designation does not confer a direct entitlement to a reduction in premiums.
- Even severe health limitations must be formally recognized and properly documented.
Many affected individuals consider this rule unfair; however, it is in accordance with the current legal provisions of the State Treaty on Broadcasting Fees.
Indirect Ways to Obtain an Exemption or Reduction
In practice, however, many people with disabilities are still exempt from the broadcasting fee because they also receive social benefits.
These include, in particular:
- Basic income support in the event of reduced earning capacity or in old age under SGB XII,
- Living Expenses Assistance,
- Social assistance under Section 72 of SGB XII,
- Citizen's Income or Social Assistance.
In these cases, the exemption from the obligation to pay the broadcasting fee is not based on the disability itself, but on the individual’s financial situation.
Special Case: Visual and Hearing Impairments
In cases of certain types of visual impairment or hearing impairment , there is a higher likelihood that the RF designation will be granted.
This applies, for example, to:
- severe visual impairment,
- Deafness,
- multiple sensory impairments.
In this case, it’s worth having your disability ID card reviewed or, if necessary, submitting a request for a change to the Social Security Office. Retroactive recognition of the disability designation may result in a reduction in the broadcasting fee.
Real-world example
A retiree with a severe disability (GdB 70) lives alone in an apartment. He receives a small pension, which is not enough to cover his living expenses, and also receives basic income support for the elderly.
→ Result: Full exemption from the broadcasting fee, even without an RF designation.
This example shows that the role of social benefits is often more crucial than the degree of disability itself.
Social Benefits as a Basis for Exemption—A Brief Explanation
A particularly common and practical reason for exemption from the broadcasting fee is the receipt of certain social benefits. In such cases, the legislature assumes that the income of the individuals concerned is already limited to the subsistence level and that additional charges, such as the broadcasting fee, cannot reasonably be expected of them.
Which social benefits qualify for an exemption?
A full exemption from the obligation to pay the broadcasting fee is possible, in particular, if you receive:
- Basic Income,
- Basic income support for the elderly or for those with reduced earning capacity,
- Income support or social assistance,
- BAföG benefits, if not living in the parents' household,
- certain benefits under Section 22 of the Social Code,
- Placement in an inpatient facility or a nursing home.
The current approval notice is always decisive. With this documentation, you can submit an application for an exemption to the ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio subscription service. The exemption generally applies for the duration of the respective benefit receipt.
Important for Practical Application
- The exemption applies only upon request.
- In many cases, it can be applied for retroactively for up to three years.
- Changes (e.g., discontinuation of social benefits) must be reported; otherwise, the obligation to pay contributions will resume.
Especially for seniors, people in need of care, retirees, and people with disabilities, this exemption is often the easiest and most reliable way to avoid having to pay the broadcasting fee.
Conclusion: Take Advantage of Relief Measures and Know Your Rights
The monthly broadcasting fee of 18.36 euros is a financial burden for many people. However, the law provides for numerous exemptions, waivers, and reductions, particularly for people with disabilities, those in need of long-term care, recipients of social benefits, and seniors.
Our most important advice:
Check your eligibility and file a claim if you qualify for an exemption. Many people pay the premium unnecessarily, even though they would be legally exempt from doing so.
