Broadcasting fee in the private sector, reduction

You must apply for a reduction in the licence fee in writing to the competent authority. 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 evidence 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 grant notice or certificate.

The completed form can also be forwarded by the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg, especially if certificates are still required from here.

Contribution Service of the Hessian Broadcasting Corporation

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

• You are blind or permanently significantly visually impaired: Degree of disability (GdB) of 60 percent solely due to visual impairment
• 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 GdB is permanently at least 80 percent

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

• Current severely disabled person's identity card with the symbol "RF" in the original (front and back) or as a certified copy or
• Certificate of the authority on the granting of the "RF" mark of disability
• Further evidence if required

Please note: The certificate from the authority or the service provider will not be returned to you. 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.

• Application for exemption or reduction

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

• Unemployment benefit II,
• Social assistance,
• Basic income or
• BAföG.

A complete list of all social benefits can be found on the website of Südwestrundfunk.

The broadcasting fee replaced the licence fee on 01.01.2013.

If you have a severely disabled person's pass with the mark "RF", you can receive a reduction in your licence fee. You will then pay a reduced fee of 5.99 euros.