But not everyone actually has to pay it. In Germany, several groups are exempt from paying – but many do not know this and transfer money unnecessarily for years.

Anyone who would actually have been freed can even Have contributions reimbursed retroactively for up to three years. They can do that quickly more than 660 euros be.

A current example: With this Summer semester 2026 begin, according to the Center for University Development (CHE) round 79,000 people study. It is estimated that approximately eleven percent BAföG – These students can generally be exempt from paying the broadcasting fee.

BAföG recipients do not have to pay a broadcasting fee

Who receives BAföGcan be completely exempt from the broadcasting fee upon application. The prerequisite is a corresponding notification from the BAföG office.

However, the application must be submitted yourself. The contribution service does not automatically check whether someone is entitled to an exemption. Many students therefore continue to pay – even though they don’t actually have to transfer anything.

Important: Until the BAföG decision is received, the contribution must continue to be paid. If the exemption is granted later, overpayments may occur refunded retroactively become.

These groups also do not have to pay a contribution

In addition to BAföG recipients, there are other groups of people who can be exempt from the broadcasting fee:

• Recipient of Citizen’s benefit or social assistance
• people with Basic security in old age
• residents of Old people’s or nursing homes
• People with certain severe disabilities

For some people with disabilities, one also applies reduced contribution of 6.12 eurosif the symbol “RF” is entered in the severely disabled person’s ID card.

Shared apartments and second homes: One payment is often enough

Even in shared apartments, not all residents have to pay. The broadcasting fee will be only charged once per apartment. Who transfers the contribution can be freely agreed within the shared apartment.

Another important exception applies to Second homes. Anyone who already pays for their main home does not have to pay an additional contribution for a second home.

Reclaims are possible retroactively for up to three years. With a monthly contribution of 18.36 euros you can more than 660 euros come together.

Broadcasting fees could rise to 18.64 euros

Right now it may be worth checking whether an exemption is possible. Because the broadcasting fee could increase in the coming years.

An independent expert commission recommends Contribution from 2027 to 18.64 euros per month to raise. This comes from a report by Commission to determine the financial needs of broadcasters (KEF) which was presented to the federal states.

The federal states must decide whether the increase will actually occur.