Topics covered:

1. What is Kindergeld/Child Benefit
2. Who is eligible for it?
3. How to apply for it?
4. How much Kindergeld/Child Benefit will I receive?

What is Kindergeld/Child Benefit?

Every family receives child benefits (Kindergeld), regardless of their income. It’s given to all kids up to 18 years old. If your child doesn’t have a job, you get child benefits until they’re 21. If they’re in vocational training, you get it until they’re 25.

Who is eligible for Kindergeld/Child Benefit?

German and EU citizens are entitled to child benefits, as long as their place of residence is in Germany. If you are a foreign national living in Germany, you can receive child benefits if you have a valid temporary residence permit or settlement permit. Usually, you must not be receiving any similar benefit in your home country or anywhere else.

How to apply for Kindergeld/Child Benefit?

For more detailed info on benefits and help available, check the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs’ website and the Familienportal. They also offer an online tool to see which family benefits you might qualify for.

Here’s the online link you can use to apply for the child benefits.

How much Kindergeld/Child Benefit will I receive?

Each child gets 250 euros per month as child benefit. The child benefit is paid monthly, usually directly into the parent’s bank account or in cash. The same amount is paid to everyone, regardless of the parent’s income.

You have to apply for child benefits in writing. The usual agency is the Federal Employment Agency’s Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse).