Who Qualifies for TV License Fee Exemptions? Beyond the Over-75 Rule

Thousands of Polish seniors remain unaware they are eligible for TV and radio license fee exemptions, provided they meet specific income thresholds or age requirements set for 2026.

Income-Based Exemption Criteria

Thousands of pensioners continue to pay license fees unnecessarily. For 2026, the eligibility threshold for exemption is set at 4,451.78 PLN gross per month. Meeting this criteria requires formal registration at a Poczta Polska branch to take effect.

Regulations allow for exemptions for individuals aged 60 and over whose pension does not exceed 50 percent of the previous year’s average national wage. Based on 2025 data from Statistics Poland (GUS), this limit confirms the 4,451.78 PLN threshold for 2026.

Formalizing the Exemption

Meeting the income criteria is not automatic; seniors must visit a Poczta Polska office to submit the required documentation. It is also mandatory that the radio or television receiver is registered under the name of the individual applying for the relief.

The exemption officially begins on the first day of the month following the completion of all formal requirements.

Automatic Relief for Seniors Over 75

The process is significantly simpler for those aged 75 and older, who are exempt regardless of their pension income. This status is granted automatically based on PESEL registry data, requiring no visits to the post office or additional paperwork.

Additional Categories for Exemption

Beyond pensioners, the law exempts several other groups, including recipients of social pensions, nursing benefits, pre-retirement benefits, and those receiving specific care allowances. Registered unemployed individuals and those meeting family benefit income criteria are also eligible.

The exemption also extends to certain veterans, war invalids, and military disabled persons.

2026 License Fee Rates

License fees for 2026 remain unchanged from previous levels. The monthly cost is 9.50 PLN for a radio and 30.50 PLN for a television or a combination of radio and television.

Each household pays only one fee regardless of the number of receivers owned, covering devices in cars or vacation homes as well.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to pay leads to interest charges similar to tax arrears. More severely, using an unregistered receiver can result in a penalty fee equivalent to thirty times the monthly subscription rate.