Overview
- Students starting the winter term must register one payer per dwelling, note that dorm rooms count as separate dwellings, and transfer or cancel the payer’s number correctly when moving.
- Households on defined social benefits can receive exemption, while people with the disability mark RF pay €6.12; eligibility extends to BAföG, BAB or Ausbildungsgeld when living away from parents.
- Approved exemptions or reductions can be applied up to three years retroactively if proof shows eligibility existed, but second‑residence relief only backdates when applied within three months.
- Wohngeld does not qualify for exemption, though a narrowly defined hardship route may apply if income exceeds the need threshold by less than €18.36.
- Consumer groups report paid “Ummelde” sites imitating official pages and charging about €39.90 for free changes, then pushing unpaid bills to collectors, and advise using withdrawal rights and seeking help from Verbraucherzentralen.