Applying for child benefit (Kindergeld)

Kindergeld is a monthly child benefit paid by the Familienkasse. To receive it, you must submit an electronic or written application using the Familienkasse form 24. The rules depend on the child’s age, residence, family situation, and in some cases your own residence or work situation 134.

Who needs this

• If you are in Germany for education or vocational training (Aus- oder Weiterbildung), you do not receive Kindergeld. 3
• You need this procedure if you want to apply for Kindergeld for a child who is under 18, or for an older child if one of the special conditions applies 14.
• Kindergeld can be paid to one person only, usually one parent 14.
• Parents, adoptive parents, stepparents, foster parents, grandparents, and in some cases siblings can be eligible, depending on the family situation and the conditions in the sources 34.
• Kindergeld is not dependent on income 1.
• For children living in Germany, another EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, Kindergeld may be possible under the conditions described in the sources 14.
• For children aged 18 to 25, Kindergeld can continue in certain cases, for example during education, a transition period of up to four months, if the child cannot start or continue training because no training place is available, or recognized voluntary service 34.
• For children with a disability, Kindergeld may be possible regardless of age if the disability began before the 25th birthday and the child cannot support themselves 3.

Step by step

1. Fill out the Kindergeld application with the Familienkasse form 24.
2. Enter your tax identification number and your child’s tax identification number 24.
3. Submit the application to the Familienkasse of your Agentur für Arbeit 24.
4. If you have a Bund-ID, you can submit the online application directly to the Familienkasse without printing or signing it 1.
5. For newborn children, a valid ELSTER certificate can also be used to submit the application fully online, without printing or signing 24.
6. If you want Kindergeld retroactively, state in the application from when you want it 2.

Documents

• Your tax identification number 24
• Your child’s tax identification number 24
• The Familienkasse may ask for additional information or evidence if something is missing 1
• If your child is looking for an apprenticeship place, the application must include documents showing this effort, or making it plausible; registration with an employment agency or Jobcenter is accepted as proof 3
• If the Familienkasse sends you a questionnaire, you must complete it carefully and attach the requested documents 1

Cost and time

• The application is free 1
• Kindergeld is currently 259 euros per child per month 14
• Payment is monthly 2
• If you have not heard anything after 6 weeks, you can call the service hotline to ask about the status 1

Deadlines

• Kindergeld can be paid retroactively for up to 6 months 12
• If the Familienkasse gives you a deadline for a questionnaire or documents, reply within that deadline; if you need more time, inform them 1
• If you want to object to a decision, you have 1 month from the decision to file an Einspruch or Widerspruch 1
• You must report changes that affect your entitlement, such as moving, changes in household situation, or the start or end of education, because the Familienkasse regularly checks eligibility 14

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