Who are exempt from paying the monthly broadcasting fees?
The annual GEZ fee in Germany is €220.32, which can be a heavy burden for low-income earners. Therefore, there are legal categories that can apply for an exemption from paying this fee to protect the minimum living standards. These categories include recipients of Bürgergeld, those receiving Sozialhilfe, BaföG students, those in need of care (Pflegebedürftige), asylum seekers (Asylbewerber), students, as well as low-wage earners who qualify for exemption under the hardship case rule (Härtefallregel).
Elderly individuals can apply for an exemption if they receive basic assistance in old age or disability pension. Those receiving assistance under the Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz are also exempt. For individuals in need of care, the exemption is not automatic based solely on the level of care, but requires them to receive assistance such as Pflegegeld in states like Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, and Rhineland-Palatinate. Additionally, those receiving care assistance under Section 7 of SGB XII or Lastenausgleich benefits are eligible for the exemption. Elderly residents in care homes can combine care assistance with the exemption from GEZ fees.
Even those who do not meet the previous conditions may be able to obtain an exemption if they submit a request as an exceptional case, provided their income is less than 18.36 euros per month above the social threshold. Also, those who are entitled to social assistance but have not applied for it can submit a request for exemption. To submit the application, the form available on the relevant authorities' website must be filled out and sent along with the required documents to: ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice 50656 Köln
Copies of the documents must be sent, and the originals should not be sent. Since August 2021, a monthly fee of €18.36 has been mandatory for each household in Germany to fund public media. Eligible individuals can be exempted from this fee if they submit the application correctly. As for retroactive exemption, it can be granted for up to three years back if the legal requirements are met, so it is advisable to apply as soon as possible.
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