Child Benefit in Germany

Raising and caring for children in Germany comes with costs in every respect, from diapers to clothes, toys, school supplies, food, and more. These are unavoidable expenses for children in any country or city, including Germany. In this article from the Monarch website, we will review child benefits in Germany. Stay with us.

Globally, few countries provide financial assistance to parents to cover some child-related expenses. Germany is one of them. In fact, Germany is among the countries that provide child care benefits to support families financially. These child benefits in Germany aim to help parents ensure a good future and better life for their children. If you are interested in this topic or are a parent considering applying for government child benefits in Germany, this article can serve as a useful guide for you.

What is Child Benefit (Kindergeld) in Germany?

Child benefit in Germany is a social advantage and financial support that the German government provides monthly to parents for children under 18 years old. The amount of child benefit depends on the family’s income and the number of children they have. The goal of the German government in paying this benefit is to provide financial support to families and help cover some of the costs associated with raising children.

Simply put, child benefit in Germany is a government policy to support families. Its objective is to ease living conditions for parents, reduce children’s expenses, and encourage childbirth. To receive this benefit, parents only need to prepare the necessary documents (explained below) and submit them to the “Family Benefits Office.” After an initial review, eligible parents in Germany will receive the child benefit.

Who is Eligible to Receive Child Benefits in Germany?

This social benefit, provided by the German government for German parents, is granted to individuals who meet the following criteria:

1. Must reside in Germany.

2. The applicant's child must be under 18 years old. If older, the child must be studying or undergoing training.

3. Applicants with children aged between 6 and 16 must ensure their child is enrolled in school.

The Amount of Child Benefit in Germany

Child benefit in Germany, also known as a child subsidy, is automatically paid monthly to all parents whose children meet the eligibility criteria. Starting in 2024, the amount is as follows:

• €219 per month for the first and second child.

• €225 per month for the third child.

• €250 per month for the fourth child and beyond.

This amount is paid until the child reaches the legal age of 18, and in cases of ongoing education or job-seeking, it can extend up to 21 years. Another point parents should note is that they must file a tax declaration to determine whether receiving financial support for children in Germany is more beneficial for them or opting for a tax exemption.

Required Documents for Applying for Child Benefit (Kindergeld)

To receive child benefit in Germany, parents need to submit the following documents to the Family Benefits Office in Germany:

1. Child’s Birth Certificate: This document indicates the child’s date and place of birth.

2. Parents’ Identification Documents: These include valid passports, ID cards, and proof of residence in Germany.
   
   Read more: Permanent Residence in Germany with ICT Card

3. Residence Permit: This document proves that the child’s parents have either temporary or permanent residence permits in Germany.

4. Completed Application Form for Child Benefit: This form contains detailed information about the parents and their child, so it must be filled out carefully.

5. Income Documentation: Providing the necessary documents to determine the parents’ income level.

To access social benefits in Germany, presenting financial documents to determine the financial situation of the child’s parents is also a requirement. It is recommended that parents apply for these benefits as soon as possible after the child’s birth through the local tax office to benefit from any back payments as well.

Steps to Apply for Child Benefit (Kindergeld) in Germany

Parents intending to apply for child benefits in Germany must follow these steps:

1. Complete the Application Form:
   Parents can obtain this form from their local Family Benefits Office or download it online.
   
   

2. Attach Supporting Documents:
   These include passports, the child’s birth certificate, a German residence permit (if applicable), and any documents clarifying the family and child’s status.
   
   

3. Submit the Application:
   Once the documents are collected and the forms are completed, they must be submitted either in person or via post to the relevant office.
   
   

4. Receive the Benefit:
   After approval, the child benefit in Germany is transferred monthly to the parents’ bank account. From January 2024, the amount of this benefit is €292 per month for each child.
   
   

5. Report Status or Changes:
   After approval and receiving the monthly child benefit, applicants must inform the Family Support Office in their state of any changes to their family or financial situation, such as changes in income or address.

Until What Age Are Children Eligible for Child Benefits in Germany?

Child benefits in Germany are provided to support families and cover some of the costs of raising children. Like other services offered by the German government to its citizens, child benefits have specific age restrictions:

• Under 18 Years Old:
  Children and adolescents under 18 years old are automatically eligible to receive this benefit without any conditions.
  
  

• Above 18 Years Old:
  Children or adolescents over 18 years old can continue receiving child benefits in Germany if they are studying or undergoing training until the age of 21. In certain cases, depending on the individual’s situation, financial support may be extended until the age of 25.

How to Calculate Child Benefit in Germany for Non-German Citizens

As mentioned, Germany faces a shortage of young workers and, at the same time, an aging population. Therefore, child benefit in Germany is essentially a social support and pro-natal policy aimed at encouraging childbirth. It is provided to all parents, including non-German citizens, under certain conditions. Below are some of these conditions regarding childcare nursing in Germany and upbringing in Germany:

1. Residency in Germany:
   One of the most important conditions for receiving government child benefits or child allowances is that the parents must reside in Germany, and the children must live with them.
   
   

2. Age of Children:
   The child of non-German parents must be under 18 years old. However, if the child is still studying or undergoing training, the support continues until the age of 25.
   
   

3. Required Documents:
   Non-German parents must submit documents such as a passport, residence permit, child’s birth certificate, etc., to the Family Benefits Office.

Other Family Financial Support in Germany

In addition to child benefits for parents in Germany, the government provides other financial supports. Some of these are listed below:

Supplementary Child Benefit

In addition to the child allowance in Germany, the government has set up an additional financial support for families with insufficient income to cover living expenses. From 2024, the government provides up to €250 extra for each child under 25 years old, as long as the child lives with the parents. One key condition for receiving this supplementary benefit is that the family’s gross income must not exceed €90,000.

Parental Allowance in Germany

Another financial support provided by the German government to individuals is the parental allowance, which is given to parents who take time off work after the birth of their child. This benefit lasts about 12 months, but if both parents share the responsibility of childcare, the duration can increase to 14 months. Parents must also prove that they do not work more than 30 hours per week and provide documentation of their income.

Child Tax Exemption

This program is a tax reduction to help parents reduce part of their taxes. There are two types of exemptions: one for child living expenses and another for childcare and educational needs. Parents cannot receive both exemptions simultaneously and must decide which one is more beneficial for them.

In summary, the difference between child benefits, supplementary child benefits, and parental allowances lies in their objectives and the conditions for receiving them. Child benefits are given to all parents, supplementary child benefits go to low-income families, and parental allowances are given to parents who take time off from work after the birth of their child.

Does Germany Pay Child Benefits with Temporary Residency?

As mentioned, financial support for children in Germany is a policy aimed at increasing childbirth in the country, and it doesn’t matter whether the parents have permanent or temporary residency. Parents, whether with temporary or permanent residency, only need to meet the eligibility requirements and submit the necessary documents to the relevant offices. Therefore, if you reside temporarily in Germany and meet the conditions mentioned in this article, you can apply for this financial support right now.

Reasons for Applying for Child Benefits in Germany and How to Appeal

There are various reasons for applying for government child benefits, and there are ways to appeal the decision if necessary. Below, we will explore both:

1. Reasons for Applying for Child Benefits in Germany:
   
   

• Financial Support for Families:
  Child benefits in Germany help cover part of the cost of raising children. This financial support is independent of the parents’ income and is available to all families, both German and non-German. Essentially, this is a type of family subsidy in Germany.
  
  

• Covering Living Expenses:
  Given the rising cost of living, child benefits in Germany reduce the financial burden of raising a child.
  
  

• Access to Social Benefits:
  Parents who qualify for child benefits effectively benefit from the social programs offered by the government.
  
  

• Easy Access to Child Benefits:
  Another reason to apply for child benefits is that it is easy to access. Parents can quickly apply by filling out the appropriate forms and submitting the necessary documents.
  
  

• Gradual Increase of Benefits:
  Germany is one of the countries committed to supporting families, and over time, child benefits in Germany have gradually increased.
  
  

2. How to Appeal a Child Benefit Application in Germany
   If a parent's application for child benefits is rejected or if the amount is lower than expected, there are several ways to appeal:
   
   

• Review Documents:
  Parents should first check their documents and ensure that everything is correctly filled out.

• Official Appeal:
  Parents can submit a formal letter explaining the reasons for their appeal, along with supporting documentation, to the Family Benefits Office.

• Legal Consultation:
  If necessary, parents can consult with a lawyer specializing in social and tax matters to receive guidance on continuing their appeal.

• Follow Up on the Appeal:
  After submitting the appeal, parents should follow up on the status of their appeal to ensure the relevant office is addressing their concerns.

Final Thoughts

As discussed, child benefits in Germany are a social advantage provided by the government to parents with children under 18 to help cover some of their costs. In this article, we tried to comprehensively cover topics related to child benefits in Germany, including eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, the application process, age restrictions, and reasons for receiving these benefits. For more information on immigration to Germany, you can contact Monarch Migration Holding and take advantage of the free services offered by this agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is child benefit in Germany?
   Child benefit in Germany is a social advantage that the government provides to parents for children under 18, paid monthly.
   
   

2. What documents are required to apply for child benefit in Germany?
   Required documents include the child’s birth certificate, parents' identification documents, proof of residence in Germany, and income-related documents.
   
   

3. What are some reasons to apply for child benefits in Germany?
   Reasons include financial support for families, access to social benefits, covering living expenses, easy access to the benefit, and the gradual increase in support over time.