STEP

Rundfunkbeitrag: Exemption from the Fee

Recipients of Bürgergeld, Sozialhilfe and BAföG are fully exempt. You just need to submit an application.

WHAT TO DO

Obtain a current Bescheid from the Jobcenter, BAföG-Amt or Sozialamt

Apply for exemption on rundfunkbeitrag.de and attach the Bescheid

DOCUMENTS

Bescheid from the Jobcenter or BAföG-Amt (proof of benefit entitlement)
Meldebescheinigung (address registration certificate)

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.

Duration

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.