Broadcasting fee in the private sector, reduction

If you have a severely disabled person's pass with the mark "RF", you can receive a reduction in your broadcasting fee. You will then pay a reduced fee of 5.83 euros.

Contribution service of the Hessischer Rundfunk

ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Contribution Service
50656 Cologne

Service telephone for the contribution account:
Phone: +49 185 - 9995-0100

Service telephone for the broadcasting fee:
Phone: +49 185 - 9995-0888*
Fax: +49 185 - 9995-0105*

Service telephone hours:
Mon: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tue: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Wed: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Thu: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Fri: 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

* 6.5 cents/min. from German landlines, different prices for mobile phones

• Current severely disabled person's pass with the "RF" mark in the original (front and back) or as a certified copy or
• Certificate from the authorities confirming the award of the "RF" mark
• Further evidence as required

Please note: You will not receive the certificate from the authority or benefit provider back. The original is intended to remain there. You do not have to mark the original severely disabled person's pass. You will receive it back without being asked.

You have a severely disabled person's pass with the mark "RF" and belong to one of the following groups of people:

• You are blind or permanently and substantially visually impaired: Degree of disability (GdB) of 60 percent due to visual impairment alone
• You are hearing impaired, deaf or you cannot communicate adequately even with hearing aids
• You have a disability and are therefore permanently unable to participate in public events and the degree of disability is permanently at least 80 percent

Note: If you receive a reduction, this also extends to your wife or husband within the home. The same applies to your registered partner.

You must apply in writing to the responsible authority for a reduction in the broadcasting fee. Use the prescribed form for this. You can obtain it from towns and municipalities and from the relevant authorities.
You can also fill it out online on the Internet. Print out the form at the end of the application process and sign it. Enclose the required proof and send your documents by post.

Note: You will receive the reduction from the first of the month stated as the start of the benefit in the notice of approval or certificate.

You must apply for the reduction within 2 months after the approval notice has been issued.

Application procedure and review: none

If you have a disability and receive certain state social benefits, you can receive an exemption instead of a reduction. With proof from the relevant authority, you can apply for exemption from the broadcasting fee if you receive these benefits, for example

• Unemployment benefit II,
• social assistance,
• basic income support or
• BAföG.

You can find a complete list of all social benefits on the Südwestrundfunk website.

The broadcasting contribution replaced the broadcasting fee on 01.01.2013.