Broadcasting fee in the private sector Apply for a reduction 
Under what circumstances can you receive a reduction in the broadcasting fee?
-
Basic information
If you have a severely disabled person's ID card with the symbol "RF", you can receive a reduction in your broadcasting contribution. You then pay a reduced contribution.
Requirements
You have a severely handicapped ID card with the mark "RF" and belong to one of the following groups of people:
- You are blind or permanently significantly visually impaired: Degree of disability (GdB) of 60 percent solely because of the visual impairment.
- You are hearing impaired, deaf or you cannot communicate adequately even with hearing aids
- You have a disability and are therefore permanently unable to participate in public events and your GdB is permanently at least 80 percent.
Note: If you receive a reduction, this also extends to your wife or husband within the home. The same applies to your registered partner.
-
Procedure
You must apply for the reduction of the broadcasting fee in writing to the responsible office. Use the prescribed form for this purpose. You can obtain it from cities and municipalities and from the relevant authorities.
You can also fill it out online on the Internet. Print the form at the end of the submission process and sign it. Attach the required supporting documents and send your documents by mail.Note: You will receive the reduction from the first of the month that is stated as the start date of benefits in the approval notice or certificate.
More information
If you receive a discount, it extends within the apartment at the same time to your wife or husband. The same applies to your registered partner.
If you have a disability and receive certain state social benefits, you may receive an exemption instead of a reduction. With proof from the relevant authority, you can apply for exemption from the broadcasting fee if you receive these benefits, for example:
- Unemployment benefit II,
- social assistance,
- basic income support or
- BAföG.
-
Necessary Documents
- Severely disabled pass
Current severely disabled person's ID card with the symbol "RF" in the original (front and back) or as a certified copy The original severely disabled person's ID card will be returned to you without being asked.
- Certificate "RF
Certificate of the authority about the award of the characteristic sign "RF". Note: You will not receive the certificate from the authority or the benefit provider back.
- Further evidence
As needed depending on the individual case.
- Severely disabled pass
-
Competent Department
-
ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice
- +49 1806 999 555 10
- Freimersdorfer Weg 6, 50829 Köln
- Website
-
-
Online Services
-
Fees / Costs
18,36 EUR e apartment and month. You must pay the broadcasting contribution for 3 months at a time. The contribution service collects it in the middle of a three-month period.
6,12 EUR Reduced broadcasting fee. You must pay the broadcasting contribution for 3 months at a time. The contribution service collects it in the middle of a three-month period. -
Deadlines & processing time
What deadlines must be paid attention to?
You must apply for the reduction within 2 months after the approval notice is issued.
-
Legal Bases
This page has been automatically translated by DeepL. We cannot guarantee that the translation is correct.
The official information in German is complete and correct. 31.01.2025