ORF Contribution in 2026: Who Pays and Who May Be Exempt?

Austria’s public media is financed through a household charge known as the ORF Contribution. It replaced the former GIS fee, and exemptions may be available to people in legally defined social or health-related groups who also meet the household income requirements.

What is the ORF Contribution?

The ORF Contribution (ORF-Beitrag) has applied since 1 January 2024 and replaced the former GIS fee (GIS-Gebühr). It is a household charge (Haushaltsabgabe), meaning that it applies per household rather than per person.

The charge is collected by ORF-Beitrags Service GmbH (OBS), the successor to GIS.

Who may apply for an exemption?

An exemption (Befreiung) may be requested by someone who belongs to a legally recognised eligible group. These groups include:

• Deaf and severely hearing-impaired people (gehörlose und schwer hörbehinderte Personen)
• People receiving unemployment insurance or labour-market support under the Arbeitslosenversicherungsgesetz, Arbeitsmarktförderungsgesetz or Arbeitsmarktservicegesetz
• People receiving care allowance (Pflegegeld)
• People receiving minimum income support (Mindestsicherung), formerly social assistance
• People receiving supplementary support alongside childcare allowance (Beihilfe zum Kinderbetreuungsgeld)
• People receiving a study grant or student grant (Studienbeihilfe, Schülerbeihilfe)
• People receiving other publicly funded support because of social need (Leistungen aus sonstigen öffentlichen Mitteln)
• Pensioners (Pension)
• Apprentices receiving apprentice compensation or apprentice income (Lehrlingsentschädigung, Lehrlingseinkommen)

Important: belonging to one of these groups is not enough by itself. The combined net income of everyone living in the household (Haushaltsnettoeinkommen) must not exceed a defined limit. The exact income limit is determined separately.

What other conditions apply?

The person submitting the application must:

• be at least 18 years old; and
• have their main residence (Hauptwohnsitz) in Austria.

These conditions apply together with the eligible group requirement and the household income limit.

How to apply

A single application can be used to assess several forms of support at the same time. The application process is:

1. Complete the application in full, either using the OBS online exemption calculator (Befreiungsrechner) or the downloadable application form.
2. Sign the form.
3. Attach the required documents as scans or copies.
4. Send everything to OBS.

The OBS calculator uses several steps to show whether you may qualify. At the end, you can download a personalised application, a document checklist and the result. The list of required documents is available on the OBS website.

Contact: The OBS customer service line can be reached on 050 200 800, Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 19:00.

Benefits linked to an exemption

In 2026, several additional forms of support may be linked to an ORF exemption:

• Electricity social tariff (Strom-Sozialtarif): Since 1 April 2026, private households with an exemption may receive an energy price limited by a cap. This does not apply to university students. In March 2026, OBS sent information letters about this to households with an exemption.
• Telephone subsidy (Zuschussleistung Telefon): This may be claimed for private use. It is not paid in cash. The voucher must be passed to the telecommunications provider, which applies it as a credit or social tariff on the bill.
• EAG cost exemption (EAG-Kostenbefreiung): This is an exemption from costs under the Renewable Energy Expansion Act (Erneuerbaren-Ausbau-Gesetz).

There is also a separate option called the EAG cost cap (EAG-Kosten-Deckelung). This is intended for low-income households that do not receive social support, such as unemployment assistance, and therefore do not qualify for an ORF exemption.

How long does the exemption remain valid?

An exemption or benefit is valid for up to five years. It ends if:

• the exemption or benefit period expires;
• the eligible person dies, gives it up, or the legal entity ceases to exist;
• in the case of telephone support, the service is transferred or cancelled;
• the eligible person moves to another address; or
• the eligibility conditions, such as the qualifying basis or income requirements, no longer apply.

In these situations, the ORF Contribution is charged again, or the social tariff, telephone subsidy or EAG exemption ends. Before the exemption expires, OBS sends a notice (Ablaufverständigung), allowing you to submit a follow-up application (Folgeantrag).

Report changes to OBS

Changes to your personal details, such as your name or address, must be reported to OBS. If your income changes, you must submit a new application.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ORF Contribution the same as GIS?

Not exactly. The ORF Contribution has replaced the GIS fee since 1 January 2024. It is collected by ORF-Beitrags Service GmbH (OBS), the successor to GIS.

Are pensioners automatically exempt?

No. Receiving a pension only places someone in one of the eligible groups. The household’s net income must also remain below the defined limit, and an application must be submitted.

Can university students receive the electricity social tariff?

No. People receiving a study grant may apply for an ORF exemption, but the electricity social tariff does not apply to university students.

What happens if I move?

Moving ends the exemption. You may apply again at the new address if you still meet the requirements.

Practical steps

1. Check whether you belong to one of the eligible groups.
2. Check the combined net income of everyone in your household against the applicable income limit.
3. Make sure you are at least 18 years old and have your main residence in Austria.
4. Use the OBS Befreiungsrechner or download the application form.
5. Complete and sign the application, then attach the required documents.
6. Submit the application to OBS and report any later changes to your personal details, address or income.
7. Contact OBS on 050 200 800 if you need assistance; the customer service line is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 19:00.

This information is based on publicly available sources and is not legal, financial or other professional advice. Use it at your own responsibility and consult an appropriate professional if necessary.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at