The amount of the RTV license fee and the rules for exemption from this fee apply to millions of Poles. Although there have been discussions for years about the form and amount of levy for public media, the obligation still lies with everyone who owns radio or television receivers.
For many seniors and people in a difficult financial situation, not having to pay an RTV license fee in 2026 is a real relief in their home budget.
As a reminder: from the beginning of 2026, the monthly fee for a radio receiver increased from PLN 8.70 to PLN 9.50, and for a TV set – from PLN 27.30 to PLN 30.50. People who decide to pay for the entire year in advance can benefit from a 10 percent discount.
TV license fee 2026. Who is exempt and what are the limits for retirees?
As Infor.pl reminds, the regulations provide for exemption from the RTV license fee in a number of situations. Many people are convinced that retirees are automatically exempt from the obligation to pay this fee. There is only part of the truth in this.
The fact is that people who are over 75 years old and have a registered radio and television receiver are, by law, exempt from license fees. In their case, it happens automatically – they do not have to submit any documents, certificates or applications. The exemption is valid from the first day of the month following the month in which the subscriber turns 75.
See also: TV license fee may affect your retirement. Better remember about the fee
The situation is different for other retirees and people over 60 years of age. Here, the amount of the pension determines whether seniors can be exempt from it. This applies to seniors who are entitled to a pension whose monthly amount does not exceed 50%. average salary.
This means that the exemption from the RTV license fee in 2026 covers Polish men and women whose pension does not exceed PLN 4,451.78 gross per month.
How to obtain an exemption from the RTV license fee in 2026?
This, however, does not exclude the range of people who are exempt from charges arising from the use or simply possession of radio or television receivers. The lack of obligation to pay an RTV license also applies, among others, to: unemployed people, blind, deaf and disabled people, including war and military invalids.
See also: The TV license fee is to disappear. The government plans to introduce a universal fee
As Poczta Polska explains: To take advantage of the relief, you must go to a post office with an ID card and a decision from ZUS or another pension authority confirming the amount of the pension. The exemption becomes effective from the month after submitting the documents.
