In Poland, radio-television subscription (RTV) is inactive a compulsory fee for people utilizing radio or TV. Nevertheless, fewer people realize that there are rules that let RTV subscription waiver. This applies in peculiar to seniors and another circumstantial social groups. To benefit from the relief, you should know the rules and meet the appropriate formal requirements.
Who's exempt from RTV?
The most crucial group covered by the exemption are those who have completed 75 years of age. For this category of citizens, the process is automatic and does not require any applications or documents. The Polish Post Office, liable for handling RTV's fees, verifies the data from the PESEL registry itself.
For younger people there is besides the anticipation of dismissal, but this requires additional conditions:
- Pensions over 60 years oldwho receive pension little than 50% of average salary. In 2024 the average wage in Poland was around PLN 7124 gross, which means that the income threshold is around PLN 3562 gross.
- Persons with a judgement And the disabled group.
- War veteranswho have been declared disabled.
- Unemployed registered at the Labour Office.
- Persons having a decision on significant disability or full incapacity for work.
How to apply for a release?
In order to benefit from the relief, rightholders who are not automatically released (e.g. elder citizens below 75 years) must submit an application. This procedure includes respective steps:
- Preparation of documents: It is essential to supply appropriate certificates, specified as the disability judgment, the decision of the Social safety Office to grant a pension or another paper confirming compliance.
- Submission of an application: papers must be delivered to the nearest branch of the Polish Post Office. This can be done in individual or by post.
- Registration of RTV receiver: Even persons exempt from fees must registry the receiver in their name to formally request relief.
It is worth noting that the relief does not work retroactively – the exemption applies only from the period following the application.
How much can you save?
The current monthly cost of RTV subscription in Poland is PLN 8.70 for radio and 27.30 zł For radio and TV. The yearly fee for both devices is PLN 327,60, which represents a noticeable expense for people with low incomes. Thanks to the exemption from the fee seniors and another eligible groups can save respective 100 zlotys per year.
Charge enforcement problems
There is inactive a discussion in Poland about the effectiveness of the RTV subscription. Many people avoid paying, explaining the deficiency of tv or radio at home. According to the Polish Post Office, only about 10% of households regularly pay this fee.
The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage occasionally raises the subject of improvement of the public media backing system, considering introducing modern solutions specified as state budget funding. However, the subscription remains an work and its non-payment may consequence in financial penalties even 30 times the monthly fee.
Why is it worth taking the layoff?
For many seniors and people with low incomes, the exemption from the RTV subscription provides crucial financial support. This not only saves money, but besides avoids unpleasant situations associated with possible backlogs.
Moreover, public media is an crucial origin of information, especially for older people, who frequently usage tv as the main average of communication with the surrounding world. Exemption from fees allows them to enjoy this form of amusement and education freely.
What changes may we face?
In 2024, work was underway to amend the RTV licence regulations. The proposals included, inter alia, extending the catalogue of persons entitled to exemptions and simplifying the procedures for requesting relief. Although concrete solutions have not yet been implemented, there is simply a good chance that future regulations will be more citizen-friendly.
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