Child allowance

The child allowance is calculatedindividuallyfor each child. You will receivea maximum of 297 euros per child each month. If you have multiple children, a single total amount is paid out. This amount is usually transferred to the person who also receives the Child benefit.

To determine whether you are eligible for the Child allowance, the monthly income of the parents or partners in a household is added together. As a single parent, you must have earned at least 600 euros gross on average over the past six months, and as a couple, at least 900 euros gross.

There is no upper limit on income. The Family Benefits Office of the Employment Agency decides on each application on a case-by-case basis.

The calculation depends on:

• Your family’s income
• Your housing costs (rent or home ownership)
• the size of your family
• the age of the children

The higher your income, the lower the Child allowance will be.

Income includes, for example:

• Income from self-employment or employment subject to social security contributions
• short-time work benefits
• Unemployment benefit I
• Maternity benefits
• Sick pay
• Parental allowance
• BAföG
• Alimony

The following are not included:

• Child benefit
• Housing benefit
• Basic income support 
• Asylum seeker benefits

Tip: You can easily check whether you’re eligible for a child allowanceusing the KiZ-Lotsen online test.

To apply for a child allowance, you should have the following documents ready:

• Application form for the child allowance
• Pay stubs for the last 6 months, including short-time work benefits
• Pension notice
• Parental allowance notice
• BAföG decision
• Proof of child support
• Housing allowance notice, if applicable
• Current proof of housing costs (e.g., rent statement)

Depending on your personal circumstances, the Family Benefits Office may ask you to provide additional documents.

We recommend that you submityour application for the child allowance online. The system will guide you through the application process, and extensive help texts are available .

The child allowance is paid for 6 months. After that , you must reapply for it. If your situation has not changed, you can simply fill out a short application after 6 months.

Child allowance Short Application (arbeitsagentur.de)

If you receive a child allowance, you must notify the family benefits office of certain changes .

Examples of possible changes:

• Another child was born.
• Someone moves in with you or moves out.
• Your marital status changes because you get married or separate from your partner.
• The child for whom you receive the Child allowance gets married or enters into a civil partnership.

If any of these statements apply to you, please fill out the form to report the change in your circumstances. Then send the signed form by mailto your local family benefits office.

Download the form (PDF)

Important: You must notify the family benefits office of all changes immediately. If you notify your family benefits office late or not at all, you may be required to make repayments or even face a penalty.

To receive the child allowance, you must apply for it at the family benefits office. You can fill out the application online, download it from the family benefits office’s website, or obtain it from the family benefits office responsible for your case.

Application for the Child allowance

Information Sheets and Forms from the Family Benefits Office - Federal Employment Agency (arbeitsagentur.de)

Tip: If you’d rather speak with someone, you’re welcome to schedule a video consultation with us here or visit us in person.

You canuse the Employment Agency’s office locator to find the Family Benefits Office in your city.

The Family Benefits Office calculates your child allowance on an individual basis. Here are some sample calculations:

Example 1) Single parent with 1 child

If a single parent pays €490 in rent (including utilities), the family is eligible for a Child allowance if their gross income is between approximately €1,270 and €3,020 (child: 6 years old).

Example 2) Single parent with 2 children

With a rent of €790 (including utilities), the gross income may range from approximately €930 to approximately €4,380. (Children: ages 6 and 8).

Example 3) Couple with two children

1. For a couple with two children and a rent (including utilities) of €690, the combined gross income may range from approximately €1,240 to about €4,410 (children: ages 6 and 8).
2. With a rent (including utilities) of 990 €, the gross income may range from approximately 1,490 to about 4,770 € (children: 6 and 8 years old).

Example 4) Couple with three children

If a couple with three children pays a rent (including utilities) of 990 €, their gross income may range from approximately 1,010 to about 5,700 € (children: ages 6, 8, and 10) in order to receive the Child allowance

Source: Child allowance Flyer, January 2026 (arbeitsagentur.de)

No. There are minimum income thresholds for the Child allowance. This means that, as a single parent, you must earn at least €600 gross, and as a couple, at least €900 gross. €603 is not enough. Please check whether you might be eligible forother benefits, such as basic income support or Housing benefit.

Changes in income during the six-month approval period do not affect the amount of your benefits. If you would like to report another change to the family benefits office, please fill out the following form and sign it. Then send it to your local family benefits office.

Download the form (PDF)

Yes. With the Child allowance, you can also apply for additional benefits. For example, exemption from fees for kindergarten or daycare.

To apply for an exemption from kindergarten or daycare fees, please contact the youth welfare office responsible for your area.

Other costs that may be reimbursed:

• Costs for field trips and school trips organized by the school, daycare center, or childcare provider,
• 195 euros per school year for school supplies,
• Costs for transportation to school,
• Costs for learning support and tutoring,
• Lunch at school, after-school care, kindergarten, or daycare,
• a flat rate of 15 € per month for children’s participation in social and cultural activities. For example, for a sports club or music school.

To apply for these benefits, please contact your local municipal office. You can find outwhich office to contact on the information page about the education package from the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

No. As a general rule, you cannot receive both the Child allowance and basic income support at the same time. If you have any questions, please contact your family benefits office.

You can easily use the KiZ-Lotsen online test to check whether you are eligible for the child allowance.

The child allowance is normally paid to the parent who also receives the Child benefit.