Since 2007 boadcasting charges have to be paid not only for TV sets and radios but also for personal computers and mobile phones with Internet access. The charges amount to:
• TV sets: 17,03 €,
• Radios, PCs and mobile phones with Internet access: 5,52 €.

If you already have a registrated TV or radio set (at home or in your car), you don't have to pay for the PC or the mobile phone additionally. You only have to pay for one device, all other devices are free.

Requirements for Exemption

The requirements for getting an exemption from the broadcasting charges are very strict. The applicant can be exempted due to medical reasons, or he has to be part of a clearly defined person subgroup. This subgroup consists amongst others of
• Beneficiaries of the promotion of vocational training (according to BAföG), who do not live with their parents
• Beneficiaries of provision for living costs (according to Social Security Code or the Bundesversorgungsgesetz)
• Beneficiaries of unemployment benefit II or social welfare

Under certain conditions it is possible to be exempted on application as a special case of hardship directly by the broadcasting corporation NDR. A low income by itself is, however, not sufficient to be regarded as a case of hardship, there must be further severities. According to the NDR it is almost impossible to be accepted as a case of hardship, anyway.

Application and Questionnaire

By applying for an exemption from broadcasting / TV licence you automatically declare the possession of according devices (TV sets, radios, PC or mobile phone with Internet access).

Responsible for exemptions is the Gebühreneinzugszentrale (GEZ = collect charges centre). Applications must be handed in in written form. The exemption starts with the subsequent month after the application was handed in at the GEZ. A retrospective exemption is not possible, even if the requirements would have been met before.

Where can I get the application forms?

The administrative offices for citizens have application forms in store and, if necessary, certify copies of required evidence like the BAföG-notice. For certification you must bring the originals as well as the copies. It is possible to fill in the application form online and print it.

For further information please contact the Social Advice Centre at the Student Administration.