In Germany there are several children’s allowances and benefits. The most common one is called Kindergeld (child benefit).
It is granted to all children, including those of immigrant parents until their children turn 18. In certain cases it also given beyond that age.
The amount ranging from €190 to €221 per child per month, is usually directly transferred into the parent’s bank account in Germany.
In January 2016, the government raised Kindergeld to €190 per month for each of the first two children. The third child gets €196 while each of the subsequent children gets €221 per month.
German parents are entitled to Kindergeld if the child lives in Germany, in a Member State of the European Union, or in a signatory state to the Agreement on the European Economic Area.
If the child takes up a place on a vocational training course or is studying, this entitlement continues until the child turns 25.
How to apply for Kindergeld
You must apply for Kindergeld in writing and sign the application form. You cannot apply for it over the phone.
The application may be filed by an authorised person presenting a written authorisation (for example by tax consultants).
An application may also be filed by someone who is not the eligible person but has a rightful interest in the payment of child allowance, for example because he/she grants the child support instead of the child’s parents.
You can apply for the Kindergeld at the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse) of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit – BA) in the district you live in or which qualifies as your habitual residence.
If you are applying for child allowance for the first time, please use the form KG1 with the “Annex Child”.
When the application is filed for more than one child, the “Annex Child” is to be filled out for every child and submitted along with the main application.
Click here to download the writeable PDF application forms.