As of: January 30, 2024, 4:51 a.m
By: Robin Dittrich
Comments
Press
Split
Many people are behind on their broadcasting contributions.
However, according to the contribution service, most of them are not 'contribution refusers'.
Kassel – In principle, broadcasting fees of 18.36 euros must be paid per apartment per month.
However, under certain circumstances, different regulations apply.
And then there are households that don't pay, even though they are obliged to contribute.
A total of 3.2 million households are said not to pay a broadcasting fee or are in arrears with their payments, as can be seen from the annual report of the contribution service.
Many people don't pay a broadcasting fee - not everyone is exempt
The usefulness of a binding broadcasting fee concerns many people all over Germany.
However, this is needed to finance the programming of the public broadcasters.
Most households have probably already received a letter from the “contribution service” responsible for collecting broadcasting fees.
If people live with someone who already pays the broadcasting fee, the contribution service often doesn't notice and has to follow up.
The broadcasting fee could be increased in 2025.
But over three million people don't pay this anyway.
© Panama Pictures/Imago
Contrary to what is often assumed, not every household has to pay the fees.
People who receive social benefits are excluded from the payments.
These include, among other things, citizen's benefit, BAföG, basic security or benefits from the Asylum Seekers' Benefits Act.
In addition to the people who are exempt from paying contributions, there are also those who refuse to pay or are in arrears with their payments.
A total of around 3.22 million households are currently in arrears.
Broadcasting fees could rise in 2025 – politicians, however, are calling for austerity measures
However , the contribution service also made it clear to
Bild
that “there is no evidence that the number of late contributors who pay contributions are ‘contribution refusers’.” As the contribution service announced last year, “many of the contributors pay after written reminders the outstanding amounts or give the contribution service a SEPA direct debit mandate.”
Overall, the number of contribution accounts in a dunning stage fell slightly compared to previous years.
At the same time, fewer and fewer people are exempt from paying or receive a reduced amount.
In 2020 there were over three million people, in 2022 only 2.84 million.
Although many are already complaining about the current broadcasting fee, this could increase in 2025.
There is an increase from the previous 18.36 euros to 18.94 euros.
The independent finance commission KEF will review the financial needs of
ARD
,
ZDF
and
Deutschlandradio
on February 23, 2024 and then make its recommendation on the amount.
Initially, however, costs should be saved by restructuring public broadcasting - an increase in contributions may not yet be absolutely necessary.
(
rd with dpa
)