Public Broadcasting Fee in Germany Remains €18.36 as Wohngeld Stays Excluded From Exemptions

Overview

• A planned increase to €18.93 did not take effect because the federal states failed to establish the required legal basis.
• Recipients of Wohngeld are explicitly not entitled to an exemption from the fee, according to the Beitragsservice.
• Exemptions apply to recipients of specified benefits such as Bürgergeld, basic security in old age or due to reduced earning capacity, certain asylum-seeker benefits, and training or education aid under defined conditions.
• Hardship relief can be granted when income exceeds assessed need by less than €18.36, and applicants who formally renounce an approved social benefit may apply if they submit the award decision and their written renunciation.
• Additional provisions include a one‑third payment for people with the “RF” disability mark, exemption possibilities tied to recognized care-related allowances, and non-liability for adults living in fully residential care settings; retroactive relief of up to three years is possible when conditions and documentation are met.