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Kindergeld 2025: Amounts, Changes, and Applications | Exit.de

Child benefits (Kindergeld) in Germany are an important financial aid for families. It is for parents, guardians, or caregivers. This money helps cover the costs of raising children, like food, school, and doctor visits. In Germany, where living can be quite expensive, this benefit helps ease the financial pressure on families, no matter ‌their income.

What Is Kindergeld?

Kindergeld (child allowance) is a direct financial support payment provided by the German government to parents and guardians of children under the age of 18. This program was designed to help families financially who are raising children by covering the cost of living, education, and other general childcare expenses. While the benefit is standard, there are additional allowances that could apply to some families in particular cases, which we will explore in this article.

The purpose of Kindergeld is to help families pay for the costs of raising children, especially as the cost of living goes up. It helps with many expenses, including:

  • Daily Needs: The basic things you need to raise a child, including food, clothes, and a place to live. These costs are continuous and can pile up, making the Kindergeld benefit very critical for so many families in Germany.
  • Educational Materials: The cost of education can be another big burden for many parents. But with Kindergeld, parents can cover most educational expenses such as books, school supplies, and stationery.
  • Health and Childcare: Children constantly need medical care, which can cost a lot at times. Kindergeld can help pay for regular check-ups, treatments, or any other special healthcare needs. It can also help cover the cost of daycare, after-school programs, or extra care services for a child.

Child benefit is a universal benefit. This means it is available to all eligible families, no matter how much they earn. The goal is to help families financially, especially those with less money, so they have more freedom to raise their children.

Unlike other forms of welfare, Kindergeld is not taxable, and it does not require proof of income. 

Who Can Claim Kindergeld in 2025?

In 2025, the eligibility criteria for Kindergeld remain largely the same as in previous years, though there are a few important nuances to keep in mind.

Children Who Qualify

Kindergeld is typically provided for children who meet the following conditions:

  1. Under 18 years of age:
    • All children under the age of 18 are eligible for Kindergeld. In most cases, the benefit is paid until the child turns 18, as this is the age when children are considered legally independent. However, there are still several exceptions:
  2. Children with disabilities:
    • If a child can’t work or earn money because of a disability, they can get Kindergeld past age 18. This can last until they turn 25, depending on how severe the disability is and how much care they need.
  3. Young adults under 25:
    • Children can get Kindergeld until they are 25 if they are in school or training. This includes high school and university. They can still get it even if they earn their own pocket money. But if they start a full-time job and start supporting themselves, the Kindergeld benefit will stop.
  4. The place of living and nationality:
    • The child should live in Germany, the EU, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, or Switzerland. However, the nationality of the child does not affect the eligibility.

Parents and Guardians Who Qualify

Kindergeld is generally paid to the primary caregivers of children ( biological parents, foster parents, or legal guardians). However, there are specific eligibility criteria for the person applying for the benefit. To qualify for Kindergeld, you must meet one of the following residence requirements:

  • German Citizens: If you are a German citizen, you are automatically eligible to apply for Kindergeld.
  • EU/EEA Citizens: Citizens of the European Union (EU), Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland are also eligible if they reside in Germany.
  • Residence Permit Holders: If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you can qualify if you hold a residence permit that allows you to work in Germany for at least six months. It does not matter whether you are currently employed, as long as the permit grants you the right to work in Germany.
  • Specific Non-EU Citizens: Citizens from Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Morocco, Montenegro, Serbia, Tunisia, or Turkey can apply for Kindergeld if they are employed in Germany in a job subject to social security contributions or receive Unemployment Benefit I (Arbeitslosengeld I) or sick pay.

How Much Is Kindergeld in 2025?

In 2025, the amount of Kindergeld per child was increased slightly, and now it is €255 per month. This amount applies to all children, no matter if they are the first, second, third, or later children in a family. 

Before 2023, this ‌child benefit depended on the number of children in a family. The first child got less money, while more children meant higher child benefit payments. To make the system simpler and give every child the same support, the German government now gives a flat rate of €255 for all children. So there are no limitations on the number of children that you have in your family.

How to Apply for Kindergeld in 2025?

Applying for Kindergeld in Germany is relatively straightforward and easy. To make the whole process smooth and fast, make sure to prepare the right documents and understand the application process to ensure that you receive your payments on time and without issues.

Required Documents

Before applying for Kindergeld  in Germany, you will need to gather several documents:

  • Proof of identity: Passport or national ID card.
  • Tax Identification Number (Steuer-ID): You will need a tax ID number for both yourself and the child(ren).
  • Proof of residence: A registration certificate (Anmeldung) from the local authorities (usually required within the first two weeks of moving to Germany).
  • Child’s birth certificate: A copy of the child’s official birth certificate is necessary.
  • Bank account details: To receive your Kindergeld payments directly into your account.
  • Proof of residency registration (Haushaltbescheinigung)

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Complete the application form: 

The first step is to fill out the application forms. The standard forms are available on the German Federal Employment Agency website. The forms you’ll need are Form KG1 for new applications and Form KG2 for children over 18.

  1. Submit the application: You can submit your application either online through the portal or by post to your local family benefits office – Familienkasse. Find the correct office by entering your postal code on the Arbeitsagentur website. The online process is faster and can be done on the Federal Employment Agency website, where you can upload the necessary documents directly. Both parents must sign the forms if applicable.
  2. Wait for processing: Wait for a letter with confirmation by post within 3 weeks to 2 months. If the application has been approved, monthly payments will be transferred into your bank account, with payment dates based on the last digit of your Kindergeld number, typically between the 5th and 20th of the month. If the application has been denied, you can appeal within 1 month by providing further documents.
  3. Confirm any changes: If your family situation changes (e.g., a new child is born, or your child reaches the age of 18), be sure to notify the Familienkasse to continue receiving payments. It is recommended to apply within 6 months of the child’s birth to avoid any loss of payments.

When Will Kindergeld be Paid?

Kindergeld payments are made monthly, and the payment dates are selected based on your Kindergeldnummer(Kindergeld number), which you receive after your initial application. This number defines the specific date of the month you will receive your payment.

Payment Schedule

The exact date depends on the last digit of your Kindergeldnummer:

  • Kindergeldnummer ending in 0 to 3: Payment is made during the first few days of the month.
  • Kindergeldnummer ending in 4 to 6: Payment is made around the middle of the month.
  • Kindergeldnummer ending in 7 to 9: Payment is made towards the end of the month.

If your payment does not arrive on the expected date, contact your local family benefits office, Familienkasse, for clarification.

Tax Implications of Kindergeld in Germany

Child benefit, or Kindergeld, is a tax-free allowance for parents and guardians in Germany. It is not included in your taxable income, so it does not affect your taxes. Whether you work for someone else, are self-employed, or get other benefits, Kindergeld is a tax-free child allowance. This makes Kindergeld a key way to help families cover the costs of raising children without impacting their tax returns.

Additional Child Benefits and Allowances

Besides Kindergeld, families with children in Germany can get other types of help and support.

1. Supplementary Child Allowance (Kinderzuschlag)

This additional allowance is made for families with low income who qualify for Kindergeld but need more help. The most a family can get is €297 per child each month, based on ‌income and other factors. The aim is to make sure no family falls behind just because of money differences.

2. Maintenance Advance (Unterhaltsvorschuss)

The Maintenance Advance is a program that helps single parents when the other parent doesn’t pay child support. You can get this help until the child turns 18, and you will have to pay this money back to the government once the other parent starts paying child support.

The Maintenance Advance amount depends on the child’s age:

  • Up to 5 years old: Up to €227 per month
  • 6-11 years old: Up to €299 per month
  • 12-17 years old: Up to €394 per month

If the child is over 12 years old, the custodial parent must also prove that they have made reasonable efforts to obtain child support from the other parent.

3. Federal Parental Allowance (Elterngeld)

The Federal Parental Allowance (Elterngeld) helps parents who take time off work or work less after having a baby. It gives money to make up for lost income so parents can care for their child without money problems. The amount is based on what the parent earned before the baby was born and can be claimed for up to 14 months. Both moms and dads can get Elterngeld, and there are extra benefits for families who share the time off.

4. Child Sickness Benefit (Kinderkrankengeld)

The Child Sickness Benefit (Kinderkrankengeld) helps parents who need to stay home to care for a sick child. If your child is sick and needs care, you can take up to 15 days off work per child each year. Single parents can take up to 30 days. This benefit helps cover the money you lose while taking care of your child. It is offered by health insurance and is for children under 12 years old. The amount you get is usually a part of your regular pay.

Changes to Kindergeld in 2025

In 2025, there have been some updates to Kindergeld (child allowance) and related financial benefits for families in Germany:

  1. Kindergeld Increase
    • As of January 2025, the monthly Kindergeld payment was increased from €250 to €255 per child. 
  2. Child Tax Allowance Increase
    • The child tax allowance (Kinderfreibetrag), which reduces taxable income for eligible families, grew from €6,384 in 2024 to €6,672 in 2025. This increase is designed to provide additional financial relief, especially for families with higher incomes.

FAQ

Can you receive Kindergeld if living abroad?

Yes, it is possible to receive child benefit while living abroad, but you must meet specific conditions. To qualify, you must have an unrestricted obligation to pay taxes in Germany, such as working for a German company abroad or paying taxes in Germany. Your children must live in Germany or another EU country.

If you are not subject to unrestricted tax liability, you can still receive Kindergeld if you meet one of these conditions:

  • You are insured by the Federal Employment Agency.
  • You work abroad as a development worker or missionary.
  • You work in Germany as an employee or self-employed, or receive a German pension, while living in the EU.

What happens if your child turns 18?

Generally, Kindergeld is given until a child is 18. However, if the child is still in school, vocational training, or university, payments can continue until the child turns 25. If the child has a disability that prevents them from supporting themselves, Kindergeld can be paid beyond age 18, up until age 25.

What is the difference between Kindergeld and child tax benefits?

Child benefit, or Kindergeld, is a monthly payment to parents or guardians to help with the cost of raising children. This payment is tax-free and available to all eligible families. Child tax benefits, or Kinderfreibetrag, are an income tax deduction that lowers parents’ taxable income. If parents choose the child tax allowance instead of Kindergeld, they get a lower tax bill but no monthly payments.