Kindergeld Explained: How to Apply for Child Benefit in Germany

What Is Kindergeld?

Kindergeld (child benefit) is a monthly payment from the German government to help parents with the cost of raising children.

Amount (as of 2025):

• €250 per month per child
• Paid until child is 18 (or longer if in education/training)
• Same amount for all children (regardless of age or birth order)

Who pays it: Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office), part of the Federal Employment Agency

Why it matters: €3,000 per year per child—that's significant financial support you shouldn't miss!

Who Is Eligible?

✅ You qualify if:

• You live in Germany
• Your child lives in Germany (or EU/EEA country)
• You're registered at a German address
• You have legal residence status

📋 Eligible parents:

• German citizens
• EU/EEA citizens living in Germany
• Non-EU citizens with valid residence permit
• Refugees with recognized status

👶 Eligible children:

• Under 18 years old (automatic)
• 18-25 years old (if in education, apprenticeship, or training)
• Over 25 (only in special circumstances, like disability)

Important: Only ONE parent can receive Kindergeld. Usually the parent where the child primarily lives applies.

When to Apply

Timeline:

Apply as soon as you have:

1. ✅ Birth certificate
2. ✅ Child's Tax ID (Steuer-ID)
3. ✅ Child registered at your address (Anmeldung)

Earliest: As soon as birth certificate is issued (usually 1-2 weeks after birth)

Deadline: No strict deadline, BUT payments are only retroactive for 6 months

• Apply within 6 months = receive full back payments
• Apply after 6 months = lose earlier months' payments

Recommendation: Apply within first month after birth to ensure you don't lose any payments.

How Much Will You Receive?

Current Rates (2025):

• **All children:** €250 per month

Payment Schedule:

• Paid monthly, usually mid-month
• Directly to your bank account
• Continues automatically until child turns 18

Example:

• **1 child:** €250/month = €3,000/year
• **2 children:** €500/month = €6,000/year
• **3 children:** €750/month = €9,000/year

Important: Kindergeld is TAX-FREE—you don't pay income tax on it.

How to Apply

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

✅ Birth certificate (certified copy)

• Get from Standesamt
• Keep original for yourself, send copy

✅ Child's Tax ID (Steuer-ID)

• Automatically sent by mail 2-4 weeks after address registration
• If not received, request from Finanzamt

✅ Your Tax ID (Steuer-ID)

• Should already have from when you registered in Germany
• Check old tax documents or request from Finanzamt

✅ Bank account information (IBAN)

• German bank account required
• Must be in your name

✅ Proof of address (Meldebescheinigung)

• From Bürgeramt when you registered address
• Shows child lives with you

Step 2: Complete Application Form

Form name: "Antrag auf Kindergeld" (Application for Child Benefit)

Where to get it:

• Download from Familienkasse website
• Pick up at local Familienkasse office
• Request by phone

Languages available: German, English, Turkish, and others

How to complete:

• Fill out by hand (legibly!) or type on computer
• Include ALL required information
• Sign and date

Step 3: Submit Application

Option A: Online (Recommended)

• Upload documents through Familienkasse portal
• Faster processing
• Can track status online

Option B: By Mail

• Send completed form + copies of documents
• Send to your regional Familienkasse
• Keep copies for yourself!

Option C: In Person

• Visit local Familienkasse office
• Bring all documents
• May need appointment

Processing Time

Typical timeline:

• Application submitted → 4-6 weeks → Decision letter
• If approved → First payment within 2 weeks after decision

Retroactive payments:

• If you apply 2 months after birth, you'll receive 2 months of back payments
• Up to 6 months retroactive

What if it takes longer?

• Familienkasse may request additional documents
• Respond quickly to avoid delays
• Can call to check status

Common Questions

"What if both parents work?"

Answer: Doesn't matter—ONE parent applies and receives payment for household.

"What if we're separated/divorced?"

Answer: Parent with primary custody usually receives Kindergeld.

"What if we share custody 50/50?"

Answer: Parents must agree who applies. If can't agree, Familienkasse decides based on child's primary residence.

"What if I'm receiving Elterngeld (parental allowance)?"

Answer: You can receive BOTH! They're separate benefits.

"What if my child lives abroad?"

Answer: Depends on country—EU/EEA yes, other countries usually no.

"What if I move to another city?"

Answer: Notify Familienkasse of address change. Benefits continue automatically.

Kindergeld for Older Children

Ages 18-25:

Kindergeld continues IF:

• Child is in school, university, or vocational training
• Child is in apprenticeship (Ausbildung)
• Child is between school and training (gap year, max 4 months)
• Child is doing voluntary service (FSJ, FÖJ, etc.)

You must provide proof:

• School enrollment certificate
• University enrollment (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)
• Training contract

After Age 25:

Kindergeld usually stops, except:

• Child has disability that prevents self-support (established before age 25)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Waiting too long to apply

• You lose retroactive payments after 6 months

❌ Not notifying about changes

• Moving, separation, child moves out—must notify!

❌ Providing incorrect bank account

• Payment will fail, causing delays

❌ Not updating for older children

• Must provide proof of education/training after age 18

❌ Both parents applying

• Only one can receive—creates confusion and delays

What Happens Next?

If Approved:

1. ✅ You receive approval letter (Kindergeldbescheid)
2. ✅ First payment arrives within 2 weeks
3. ✅ Payments continue monthly automatically
4. ✅ You receive annual statement

If Denied:

1. ❌ You receive denial letter with reasons
2. ℹ️ Check what's missing
3. 📞 Call Familienkasse to clarify
4. 🔄 Can reapply or appeal (Einspruch)

Your Responsibilities

You MUST notify Familienkasse if:

• You move (new address)
• Child moves out or abroad
• You separate/divorce (custody changes)
• Child finishes school/training
• Child starts earning significant income
• You leave Germany

Failure to notify can result in:

• Overpayments you must repay
• Penalties
• Legal consequences

Key Takeaway

> Kindergeld is €3,000/year per child—don't leave this money on the table.

> Apply within 1 month of birth to get full retroactive payments.

> It's tax-free money to help raise your child.

Next Steps

1. ✅ Get birth certificate from Standesamt
2. ✅ Register baby's address at Bürgeramt
3. ✅ Wait for Tax ID to arrive by mail (2-4 weeks)
4. ✅ Download Kindergeld application form
5. ✅ Complete and submit with required documents
6. ✅ Receive first payment within 6-8 weeks

This 30-minute application is worth €3,000/year!