Germany's Rundfunkbeitrag: Students, Struggling Households Get Fee Exemptions
Germany's Rundfunkbeitrag, a mandatory licence fee for public broadcasting, has seen changes and exemptions. The fee, €18.36 per month, is applied per household, not per person, and is paid to the Beitragsservice for ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandfunk. Tens of thousands of students are set to benefit from an exemption in the coming winter semester.
Students receiving BAföG financial aid and not living with their parents are exempt. Shared apartments occupied solely by BAföG recipients are also exempt, but an application is required. Other groups entitled to reductions or exemptions include recipients of certain social security benefits, asylum seekers, and people with vision or hearing impairments. Households facing exceptional economic hardship can also apply for exemption. Residents must apply manually for exemptions or reductions, and will still receive a letter requiring action.
Changes in June 2023 include receiving one annual payment plan letter instead of quarterly reminders. Households without direct debit set up must make manual payments via bank transfer to avoid late fees.
The Rundfunkbeitrag fee remains a mandatory payment for most German households. However, the recent changes and exemptions aim to provide relief for specific groups, including students, those facing economic hardship, and individuals with disabilities. Residents are advised to check their eligibility and apply for exemptions or reductions if applicable.
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