Recipients of Bürgergeld, Sozialhilfe and BAföG are fully exempt. You just need to submit an application.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
Exemption notice from Jobcenter or BAföG office
Registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung, issued by Bürgeramt)
The exemption is not applied automatically — you must apply for it. Those entitled include recipients of Bürgergeld (ALG II), Sozialhilfe, Grundsicherung im Alter, and students receiving BAföG.
The exemption lasts for the validity period of your Bescheid. Once it expires, contributions resume automatically. Submit a new Bescheid 1–2 months before the previous one runs out.
I filed the exemption online with the BAföG letter — approved in 2 weeks, refunded 3 months back. It does not work automatically: until you apply, charges run.
I set a reminder for the letter expiry: the exemption ends with it and charges silently restart. I submit the new letter 1–2 months ahead to avoid a billing gap.
Recipients of Buergergeld, social assistance, basic old-age security, BAföG (living away from parents) and some other social benefits. The basis is the current authority decision letter.
Up to 3 years with a decision letter for that period — paid fees can be refunded. § 4 (4) sentence 2 RBStV puts it precisely: the exemption starts on the first of the month in which the proof's validity period begins, but at the earliest three years before the first of the month in which you apply. It does not renew automatically: submit a new letter before the old one expires.
Instead of full exemption, a reduction to one third is possible for some groups — e.g. certain disability with the RF mark. Plus a hardship case just above the social threshold.
Under § 4 (3) RBStV it extends automatically within the flat to your spouse, your registered civil partner, their children up to the age of 25, and any flat holders whose income and assets were taken into account when your benefit was granted. They do not need to apply separately.