Child benefit in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: Child benefit is EUR 259 per month for each child (2026). It is paid up to age 18, and in some cases to 21 or 25, to people living in Germany. It is claimed from the Familienkasse.

RuleWhat applies
Amount of child benefitChild benefitChild benefit is EUR 259 per month for each child (§ 66 EStG as in force on 7 November 2026). It is paid from the start of the month in which the conditions are met. [1]
Age limit for the childChild benefitUp to the 18th birthday. A child aged 18 or over counts until 21 if unemployed and registered as job-seeking, and until 25 while in training, studying or in certain voluntary services. [2]
Residence conditionChild benefitEntitled: a person with a home or habitual residence in Germany, or who is treated as fully liable to German income tax. A tax identification number is required. An EU or EEA citizen who moves to Germany has no claim for the first three months unless they have German income from work. [3]
Income testChild benefit⚠ Not yet verified
Where to claimChild benefitChild benefit is claimed from the competent family benefits office (Familienkasse), electronically in the prescribed form; a signed paper application is possible if the Familienkasse allows it. [4]

Notes

  • The sections of the Income Tax Act read here do not state whether the benefit depends on parents' income. Not confirmed from a source.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz: § 66 EStG - Einzelnorm (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. Bundesministerium der Justiz: § 32 EStG - Einzelnorm (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundesministerium der Justiz: § 62 EStG - Einzelnorm (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  4. Bundesministerium der Justiz: § 67 EStG - Einzelnorm (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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