Broadcasting Fee: What students and trainees should know for the summer semester
The broadcasting fee authority reminds students and trainees about the Rundfunkbeitrag payments as the summer semester begins. Many are moving into new accommodations.
Cologne – With the start of the summer semester, many students are moving into new apartments or shared housing (WG). Trainees also often begin a new phase of their lives. At such times, the question arises: Who pays the broadcasting fee, and who can be exempted?
Each household is subject to one broadcasting fee, regardless of the number of residents or whether receiving devices are present or public broadcasting services are used. The current fee is €18.36 per month, paid quarterly.
One person must register the household with the Beitragsservice (Broadcasting Fee Service) and pay the fee. This person receives a unique reference number for the payments. Other residents of the household will be contacted and asked to confirm their details, which can be done easily online or via a reply form.
Students receiving BAföG (federal student aid) or trainees receiving Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (training allowance) can apply for an exemption. However, this exemption applies only to the applicant and their family, not to other flatmates, unless they also meet the exemption criteria for the entire household.
The reference number is tied to the individual who registered the dwelling. If this person moves out, another resident must register the household to receive a new reference number. When moving, it is crucial to notify the Broadcasting Fee Service of the new address or deregister the previous dwelling if moving into a place where the fee is already being paid.