THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Every household in Germany pays the Rundfunkbeitrag, a compulsory monthly fee for public broadcasting. In 2026, the fee remains €18.36 per month.
For people with good incomes, this amount may not matter much. But those living on Bürgergeld (citizens’ benefit), every euro counts. The good news is: Bürgergeld recipients can be exempted from paying this fee – and may even get money back.
Who can be exempted?
If you receive Bürgergeld, you have the right to apply for a full exemption from the Rundfunkbeitrag if you have not done so. This also applies to people receiving:
- Basic income in old age or due to disability
- Social assistance (Hilfe zum Lebensunterhalt)
- Certain student or training grants (like BAföG), if you don’t live with your parents
However, the exemption is NOT automatic. You must apply yourself.
How to apply
Applications are handled by the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice in Cologne.
Steps:
- Go to rundfunkbeitrag.de
- Fill in the exemption form (Befreiung aus sozialen Gründen)
- Print the form, sign it, and send it by post
- Attach a copy (not the original) of your Bürgergeld approval letter from the Jobcenter
Make sure the letter clearly shows:
- Your name
- Type of benefit
- Approval period
Very important: You can claim money back
Many people don’t know this:
If you have been receiving Bürgergeld but still paid the Rundfunkbeitrag, you can apply for a refund for up to three years (retroactively).
That means:
- 1 year: €220.32
- 2 years: €440.64
- 3 years: €660.96
To get this refund, you must prove that you were entitled to Bürgergeld during those months. If you lost old Jobcenter letters, you can ask the Jobcenter to reissue them.
What about ALG I or Wohngeld?
People receiving Arbeitslosengeld I, Wohngeld, or Übergangsgeld are not automatically exempt. But in special hardship cases, you may still apply. A social advice centre can help you.
Key message
- If you receive Bürgergeld, apply for exemption
- Check if you can claim back money for past payments
- Keep your Jobcenter letters safe
This simple step can save you hundreds of euros — money that can really help with daily life in Germany.
© AfricanCourierMedia
