Child benefit (Kindergeld) is money from the state for families with children. You get it every month for each child. The office in charge is the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse). This is the office that decides on child benefit and pays it out. Child benefit does not come automatically. You have to apply for it. This is important, because the Familienkasse only pays retroactively (rückwirkend) for the last six months. Retroactively means: also for the time before your application. So if you wait too long, you lose money. One parent makes the application. For each child, only one person ever receives child benefit.
What you need
Whether you get child benefit depends on certain requirements (Voraussetzungen). Requirements are conditions that must be met. You also need some documents.
- Residence in Germany: As a rule, you must live in Germany and be registered here. To find out how, see Registering your address.
- Suitable residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel): A residence permit is the permission to live in Germany. If you are not from the EU, not every residence permit gives you the right to child benefit. Different rules apply to EU citizens. For more, see Sorting out your residence permit.
- Age of the child: Child benefit is paid for children under 18. For older children, it is only paid in certain cases, for example during vocational training or university studies. In most cases, it ends at the latest at age 25.
- Tax identification number (Steuer-Identifikationsnummer): This is a personal eleven-digit number for the tax office. It is also called Steuer-ID for short. You need your own tax ID and your child's tax ID. For more, see Getting a tax ID.
- Child's birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde): This is the official document about the birth.
- Bank account: The Familienkasse only pays into an account. For this you need your IBAN, which is your account number. For more, see Opening a bank account.
- Passport or ID card and, if you have one, your residence permit. The Familienkasse may ask for copies of these.
- For children aged 18 and over: proof of school, vocational training or university studies, for example a school certificate (Schulbescheinigung).
Step by step
- Check the basics: Are you and your child registered at the citizens' office (Bürgeramt)? Do you both have a tax ID? The tax ID comes by post after you register. This can take a while.
- Get the forms: You need the application for child benefit (Antrag auf Kindergeld) and a child annex (Anlage Kind) for each child. An annex is an additional form. You can find both on the Familienkasse website. You can also fill in the application online there.
- Fill in the forms: You answer questions about yourself, the other parent, your child, your work and where you live. Be precise and complete. Missing information slows down processing.
- Attach the documents: Include copies of the documents requested. Keep the originals yourself.
- Sign and send the application: Send the application online or by post to the Familienkasse responsible for where you live. Write down the date.
- Wait for post: The Familienkasse gives you a child benefit number (Kindergeldnummer). Write this number on every letter you send to the Familienkasse. Later you will receive a decision notice (Bescheid). A Bescheid is a written decision from an authority.
- Check the decision notice: Read the notice carefully. If you do not agree, you can file an objection (Einspruch). An objection means: you challenge the decision in writing and ask for it to be reviewed again.
- Report changes: Are you moving? Is your child finishing school? Is one parent working abroad? You must tell the Familienkasse about changes like these immediately.
Costs and deadlines
- Costs: Applying for child benefit is free.
- Retroactive payment: The Familienkasse pays for at most the six months before the month in which your application arrives. An example: your application arrives in July. Then you can get child benefit from January, if you already met the requirements from January.
- Objection: As a rule, you have one month to file an objection after you receive the decision notice. The exact deadline is stated in the notice.
- Amount: The amount of child benefit is set by law and can change. The Familienkasse can tell you the current amount.
Typical problems for newcomers
You do not have a registered address yet
Without registration (Anmeldung), it is difficult to get child benefit. So register as early as possible. For more, see Registering your address.
You do not have a tax ID yet
Without a tax ID, the Familienkasse cannot pay child benefit. Still, do not wait too long. Ask the Familienkasse whether you can already apply and send the number later. That way you do not lose time.
You do not have a bank account yet
You need an account for the payment. Some banks check with Schufa. This is a company that collects data on how people pay their bills. Newcomers often have no data there yet. A basic account (Basiskonto) is a simple account that almost everyone has a right to. For more, see Opening a bank account and Understanding Schufa.
You speak little German
The forms are in German. Ask someone you trust for help. Advice centres for migrants also often help you fill them in for free. If you have questions, you can also call the Familienkasse directly.
Your documents are from abroad
The Familienkasse may ask for a translation of foreign documents, for example the birth certificate. Ask beforehand which kind of translation they accept.
Your family lives in several countries
Does your child still live abroad? Or does one parent work in another country? Then special rules apply. Sometimes another country is responsible for the payment. Always state such things in your application. The Familienkasse will review your case.
Frequently asked questions
Who gets the child benefit if both parents live together?
The parents decide together who receives the child benefit. For each child, the Familienkasse pays only one person.
Do I have to apply again every year?
No. You apply once. But you must report changes. For children aged 18 and over, the Familienkasse regularly asks for new proof.
Can I apply online?
Yes. You can fill in the application online on the Familienkasse website. You can also send it on paper by post.
Do I get child benefit if my child lives abroad?
That depends on the country where your child lives. There are special rules for this. Ask the Familienkasse.
What happens if I do not report a change?
Then you may receive too much child benefit. As a rule, you have to pay this money back. So always report changes immediately.