Child benefit for minor children is available without restriction. Only once the children reach the age of majority does eligibility for child benefit depend on meeting certain requirements. We answer the most important questions.
Who is eligible for child benefit?
Child benefit is paid for minor children without any further requirements.
Child benefit can be paiduntil the child’s 21st birthday if the child:
- are unemployed and registered as a job seeker with the Employment Agency.
Child benefit can be paiduntil the child’s 25th birthday if the child
- have completed an apprenticeship (including university studies and school-based training) or
- are in a transition period of no more than four months between two phases of training, or
- are unable to find a training position despite demonstrable efforts and therefore cannot begin or continue your training, or
- are performing legally recognized volunteer service (e.g., a voluntary social year).
How much is the child benefit?
Since 2026, parents have received 259 euros per month for each child. The amount no longer depends on the number of children.
What is the application process?
Child benefit must be applied for in writing at the relevant family benefits office of the Federal Employment Agency. As a rule, this is the family benefits office in the parents’ place of residence. Child benefit is paid monthly. Entitlement applies to every calendar month in which the requirements are met on at least one day. For example, if a child is born on the 25th of a month, the parents are entitled to the full child benefit for that month.
Can child benefit be claimed retroactively?
Yes. Child benefit can be paid retroactively for up to 6 months. An informal application is sufficient to meet the deadline. It is better to use the online forms provided by the Federal Employment Agency.
What is the child supplement?
The child supplement (KiZ) is a financial allowance paid in addition to child benefit. It is intended to prevent low-income families from having to rely on basic income solely because of the cost of supporting their children. The child supplement is intended for families and single parents whose income is sufficient to cover their own living expenses but not the family’s total needs.
Families eligible for the child supplement may also have access to additional benefits, particularly those included in the education and participation package. Further relief, such as assistance with daycare fees, depends on state or local regulations.
How much is the child supplement?
Since January 2026, the child supplement has been up to297 euros per child per month. Together with the child allowance of 259 euros, this results in a total benefit of 556 euros per child per month. The actual amount paid depends on the parents’ income. As income increases, the child supplement is gradually reduced. The German Trade Union Federation has compiled sample calculations for the child supplementfor working single parents and couples.
Who is eligible for the child supplement?
Parents are eligible for the child supplement if
- if you receive child benefit for the child,
- if the child lives in the same household,
- if the child is under 25 years of age and
- if the child is unmarried.
Whether parents are eligible for the child supplement depends primarily on their income. Their income must exceed a statutory minimum of 600 euros gross for single parents and 900 euros gross for couples. The exact eligibility assessment also takes into account housing costs and the number of people living in the household.
You can quickly and without obligation check whether you are eligible using the KiZ-Lotsen tool on the website of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs.
