Citizens increasingly refuse to comply with GEZ fees payments
The debate about the fairness of the GEZ fee, formerly known as the broadcasting contribution, continues in Germany. However, for certain groups of people, exemptions from this fee are possible.
By the end of 2024, the number of recipients of basic security in old age is expected to increase, making it essential for pensioners to be aware of their rights to exemptions from the GEZ fees.
Exemptions mainly apply to social welfare recipients, people with severe disabilities, asylum seekers, and some students under specific conditions.
Recipients of social security benefits, such as students and apprentices receiving financial aid, individuals on unemployment benefits, those receiving citizen’s allowance or guaranteed minimum pension, and people who receive care allowances or certain care supplements, may be eligible for exemption.
People with severe disabilities, including deaf-blind persons, severely hearing-impaired or visually impaired people, and senior citizens living in elderly care facilities, may also qualify for a full exemption or a reduction (paying only a third of the regular fee, in cases of severe physical limitations).
Asylum seekers are also exempt from paying the GEZ fees.
Students from other countries generally must pay the fee unless they receive study support comparable to BAföG from their home country, in which case exemption may be possible.
To get the exemption, one must submit an application with supporting documents proving eligibility. Exemptions can sometimes be granted retroactively for up to three years if requirements are met.
It is important to notify the contribution service if circumstances change so that the exemption or reduction can be adjusted accordingly.
Pensioners who receive basic security should definitely apply for exemption from GEZ fees. If approved, individuals can save over 200 euros in GEZ fees. A retroactive exemption from GEZ fees is possible for pensioners, which can save over 200 euros per year.
Social welfare organizations, care facilities, and pensioner advisors can help with the formalities of applying for exemption from GEZ fees.
In addition to savings on the broadcasting fee, pensioners who are dependent on social benefits can also save money on cultural institution visits and public transport usage.
Supporters of the GEZ fee emphasize its importance for providing independent information. While the specifics of reductions for pensioners in cultural institution visits and public transport usage are not detailed, it is worth investigating for further savings.
It is not explicitly mentioned in the text, but there might be opportunities for pensioners to save money at public pools, similar to other everyday activities.
In summary, if you are a pensioner receiving basic security or fall under one of the mentioned categories, it is worth investigating the possibility of exemption from GEZ fees. The group that benefits from the exemption is primarily those who have little money to live on.
- Pensioners who receive basic security in old age can save over 200 euros per year if they apply for, and are approved for, exemption from GEZ fees, which could potentially also provide savings on cultural institution visits and public transport usage.
- In addition to the possible exemption from GEZ fees, there might be opportunities for pensioners to save money at public pools, similar to other everyday activities, as part of efforts to reduce overall costs for those with limited personal-finance resources.
