Kindergeld explained: Germany's child benefit, step by step

Kindergeld, explained simply, is Germany's monthly child benefit: a tax-funded payment to parents that helps cover the everyday cost of raising children. It is paid for each child at the same rate, regardless of the parents' income, and the amount is set by law and adjusted from time to time.

This guide covers who can claim it, how long it lasts, how to apply and how it fits with the child tax allowance. It is general information, not tax or legal advice. The Familienkasse, the family benefits office, has the final word on individual cases.

What is Kindergeld?

Kindergeld is paid monthly into a bank account by the Familienkasse, which is part of the Federal Employment Agency. Some public-sector employers have their own family benefits office. Every eligible child receives the same amount, whether it is the first or the fifth child.

Legally, Kindergeld is part of the income tax system. It is an advance on a tax benefit, which is why the tax office later checks whether the child tax allowance would have helped you more. For most families, Kindergeld is the better option.

Who is eligible for Kindergeld?

Parents can generally claim if they live in Germany or are fully liable for tax here. Adoptive parents and foster parents qualify too, and step-parents and grandparents can claim if the child lives in their household.

Only one person receives Kindergeld for each child. If the parents live apart, it usually goes to the parent the child lives with. Parents who live together decide between themselves who applies.

• German citizens living in Germany
• Citizens of EU and EEA countries and Switzerland, generally under the same conditions as Germans
• Other foreign nationals, usually if they hold a residence permit that allows them to work, with some exceptions
• People living abroad who are fully taxable in Germany, in certain cases

Apply early: Kindergeld is backdated for a maximum of six months.

Kindergeld age limits: how long is it paid?

Kindergeld is paid for every child up to the age of 18 without further conditions. After that, it continues only in specific situations.

• Up to 21: if the child is not in work and is registered as looking for work with the employment agency
• Up to 25: if the child is in school, vocational training or university, is between two training phases for up to four months, is doing certain voluntary service, or cannot find a training place
• No age limit: if the child has a disability that began before 25 and cannot support themselves

Kindergeld for adult children: the 20-hour rule

During a first vocational qualification or first degree, a child's own earnings do not affect Kindergeld. After that first qualification, for example during a master's degree after a bachelor's, the child may work only up to 20 hours a week on a regular basis. Mini-jobs and training-related employment do not count against this limit.

Tell the Familienkasse promptly when training ends, changes or is interrupted. Payments made after the entitlement has ended must be paid back.

How to apply for Kindergeld

Kindergeld is not paid automatically. You apply in writing to the Familienkasse, and the Federal Employment Agency offers the application online as well as on paper. Apply soon after the birth, or soon after moving to Germany.

Kindergeld is backdated for a maximum of six months before the month the application arrives, so waiting too long means losing money.

• Tax identification numbers (Steuer-ID) for you and your child
• Your bank account details (IBAN)
• A birth certificate or other proof of the child's identity, if the Familienkasse asks for it
• For children over 18: proof of school, training, university or job-seeking status
• For non-EU nationals: your residence document
• Where relevant: details of the other parent and any benefits claimed abroad

Kindergeld vs Kinderfreibetrag

Alongside Kindergeld, the tax system has a child tax allowance (Kinderfreibetrag) plus an allowance for care, education and training needs. You cannot receive the full value of both. When you file an income tax return, the tax office automatically compares the two in a process called the Günstigerprüfung.

If the tax saving from the allowances is greater than the Kindergeld you received for the year, you get the difference through your tax assessment. This mainly benefits higher earners. You do not need to choose anything yourself, but you do need to include the child in your tax return using the relevant annex.

Kindergeld for families from abroad

Within the EU, special coordination rules decide which country pays family benefits first when parents work or live in different member states. Germany may pay the full amount or a top-up on top of another country's benefit.

Declare any family benefits you or the other parent receive abroad. Families on low incomes should also check the Kinderzuschlag, a separate supplementary child benefit that can be paid on top of Kindergeld.

Frequently asked questions

With Kindergeld explained, the key points are simple: apply early, because backdating is limited to six months; keep the Familienkasse informed about changes; and include your children in your tax return so the allowance comparison can work in your favour. For unusual cases, such as families spread across several countries, contact the Familienkasse directly or seek advice.

How we research: Guides are written from established sources and checked for accuracy. They are general information, not professional advice.