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Summary: in Germany there are two main financial benefits for families: Kindergeld (child benefit), which since January 2026 is €259 per month per child, and Elterngeld (parental allowance after a birth), which for Basiselterngeld is between €300 and €1,800 per month. You must apply for both separately and in writing.
What is Kindergeld and who receives it?
Kindergeld is paid by the Familienkasse of the Federal Employment Agency. The 2026 increase is applied automatically and current recipients do not need to submit a new application. It is always paid for children up to 18; up to 21 if the child is unemployed and registered as a job seeker; and up to 25 during vocational training, studies or voluntary service. There is no age limit for children with a disability.
Foreign nationals and Kindergeld
According to the official Familienkasse guidance, citizens of EU and European Economic Area countries are generally entitled from the fourth month after taking up residence. Nationals of third countries (including Iran) can receive Kindergeld if they hold a Niederlassungserlaubnis; some other residence permits can also create an entitlement, but the guidance does not give the details. Recognised refugees and asylum seekers with a confirmed residence status can receive it too. If you are not sure about your type of residence, ask the Familienkasse before applying.
Application steps and documents for Kindergeld
- The application must be in writing and a separate “Anlage Kind” is filled in for each child.
- The tax ID (Steuer-ID) of the parent and the child is required; if it is missing, the Familienkasse follows it up itself.
- For a child over 18: a certificate from the university or school (for example a Semesterbescheinigung), an Ausbildung contract or proof of registration as a job seeker.
- Back payment is made for at most six calendar months before the application arrives, so do not delay your application.
- If the child lives outside Germany, Kindergeld is only paid if the child is in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland. Similar foreign benefits can also remove the entitlement, even if they are lower.
- You must report any change (for example the child moving abroad or finishing training).
Elterngeld: how much and for how long?
Basiselterngeld is usually 65% of the net income you lose after the birth; for net incomes below €1,000 the rate rises to up to 100%. The monthly amount is between €300 and €1,800, and the net income before the birth is counted only up to a ceiling of €2,770 per month. ElterngeldPlus and the Partnerschaftsbonus are between €150 and €900 per month.
Parents together have 14 months of Basiselterngeld, and each parent a maximum of 12 months. One month of Basiselterngeld can be swapped for two months of ElterngeldPlus. If both parents work part-time at the same time, each gets up to 4 additional months of ElterngeldPlus (Partnerschaftsbonus). Single parents can also use the partner months and the Partnerschaftsbonus.
Important notes
- Apply for Elterngeld in writing at the responsible office of your state/city; ask your city’s website or the Familienportal for the exact authority and apply early.
- Before the birth, keep your income and payslips in order; the calculation of Elterngeld depends on them.
- If you have a child and have just arrived in Germany, pursue Kindergeld and Elterngeld at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kindergeld have to be applied for again every year?
No. The increase is automatic; you only need to report changes (such as the end of studies or a move).
Does Kindergeld depend on the type of residence?
Yes. For non-EU nationals the type of Aufenthaltstitel matters; a Niederlassungserlaubnis creates an entitlement and other types must be checked with the Familienkasse.
For how long is Elterngeld paid?
Up to 14 months of Basiselterngeld between the parents; ElterngeldPlus can continue until the 32nd month of the child’s life.
This article is general information and is no substitute for official advice. Sources: Merkblatt Kindergeld 2026 and the news item “Kindergeld steigt 2026” (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), Elterngeld FAQs on familienportal.de.
