Kindergeld, or child benefit, is a universal support granted to all children, irrespective of their place of residence. As of 2024, the family allowance remains consistent at EUR 250 per child. Certain parents may qualify for additional financial assistance, referred to as Kinderzuschlag, an extra sum complementing Kindergeld. This supplementary support is accessible to families with moderate incomes who are financially independent and not dependent on social benefits. The precise amount of the Kindergeld supplement is calculated according to your income. The payment dates for Kindergeld and Kinderzuschlag in February 2024 are as follows.
Kindergeld in Germany in 2024
In January 2023, the benefit amount was raised to €250 per month for each child. Although there won’t be an increase in 2024, a significant change is expected in 2025, as the family allowance is set to be replaced by a completely new benefit known as Kindergrundsicherung (basic child allowance).
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Kindergeld benefit is available to:
- Children up to 28 years of age
- Children in school up to 25 years of age
- Unemployed children up to 21 years of age
Who can apply for Kindergeld?
A parent who has been legally employed in Germany for at least 6 months is eligible to apply for the Kindergeld benefit. Additionally, individuals who run their own business in Germany or are posted employees may also apply for the benefit.
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Kindergeld payment dates in February 2024
The Family Benefits Fund does not transfer monthly payments to beneficiaries on the same day. Beneficiaries with the last digit 0 receive their payment at the beginning of the month, followed by payments for those with the last digit 1, and subsequent transfers for those with the last digit 2. Payment dates for individuals with the last digit of Kindergeldnummer being 9 are scheduled for the end of the month. It’s important to note that due to weekends and public holidays, beneficiaries should be aware that there might be some delays in benefit payments throughout the year.
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In Germany, there is no guaranteed date for Kindergeld payment, and the specific date in January 2024 depends on the last digit of the Kindergeldnummer:
- Last digit: 0 – 5 February
- Last digit: 1 – 8 February
- Last digit: 2 – 9 February
- Last digit: 3 – 12 February
- Last digit: 4 – 13 February
- Last digit: 5 – 14 February
- Last digit: 6 – 15 February
- Last digit: 7 – 16 February
- Last digit: 8 – 29 February
- Last digit: 9 – 21 February
Addition to Kindergeld in 2024
An addition to Kindergeld, known as Kinderzuschlag, is a monthly supplement provided to families in Germany. The allowance amount is contingent on the family’s income. Starting from January 1, 2023, following the implemented increase, Kinderzuschlag can be up to EUR 250 per month per child. This child allowance is accessible to parents with a moderate income.