The Child benefit in Germany is a financial support that benefits families to ensure the basic needs of children. It is administered by the Family Fund of the Federal Employment Agency and is aimed at all parents or legal guardians raising children in Germany. The regulations are clearly defined by law.
Amount of child benefit
From January 2023, child benefit will be uniform per child:
-250 euros per month (applies to every child, regardless of the number of children).
Planned increases:
-2025: 255 Euro per child.
-2026: 259 Euro per child.
Who is entitled to child benefit?
The claim applies in principle to:
-All children up to the age of 18.
-Children up to the age of 25 if they:
-are in school or vocational training,
-complete a course of study
-do a voluntary social or ecological year.
-Children up to the age of 21 if they are registered as unemployed.
Example 1:
-Family A has three children aged 5, 10 and 19. The 19-year-old child is still studying. The family receives 250 euros per month for all three children, i.e. a total of 750 euros per month.
Example 2:
Family B has a 22-year-old child who is in vocational training and a 15-year-old child. Family B also receives child benefit for both children, i.e. a total of 500 euros per month.
How do you apply for child benefit?
-The application must be submitted in writing to the family benefits office.
-The application can either be completed online or downloaded as a form.
-Important documents:
-Birth certificate of the child,
-Tax ID of the child and the parents,
-Proof of residence (e.g. registration certificate).
Special regulations:
1.Foreign reference:
-Families resident in an EU country can receive child benefit if they are liable for tax in Germany.
2.For children with disabilities:
-Child benefit is paid for life if the child is unable to support him/herself due to a disability (provided the disability occurred before the age of 25).
Example 3:
-Family C lives in the Netherlands, but one parent works in Germany and pays taxes. The family can claim child benefit for their children.
Important changes and notes:
-Child benefit is not paid automatically - an application is required.
-If the living situation changes (e.g. change of residence, child comes of age), the family benefits office must be informed immediately.
-Tax allowances for children: In addition to child benefit, there are tax advantages through the child allowance, which can relieve parents depending on their income.
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