Kindergeld — Child Allowance in Germany

How much will you get?

From 2025, Kindergeld amounts to €255 monthly per child:
- 1 child = €255
- 2 children = €510
- 3 children = €765

Paid until age 18 (or 25 if the child is studying).

Who can get Kindergeld?

• You live in Germany (have Anmeldung)
• You work in Germany or pay taxes there
• The child lives with you (or you support them)

Important: EU citizens receive Kindergeld even if the child lives in Poland/another EU country!

How to apply?

1. Fill out the forms

You need:
- Antrag auf Kindergeld (main application)
- Anlage Kind (attachment for each child)

Download forms: familienkasse.de

2. Prepare documents

3. Send to Familienkasse

Familienkasse is the office paying Kindergeld. Find yours at: familienkasse.de

You can send:
- By mail (most common)
- Online via familienkasse-digital.de

4. Wait for decision

• Processing takes 4-8 weeks
• You'll receive a decision letter (Bescheid)
• If approved — money transfers to your account monthly

⚠️ Retroactive Kindergeld

You can receive Kindergeld up to 6 months retroactively from the application date. Don't delay!

Common mistakes

❌ Missing child's Steuer-ID — order it from Finanzamt first
❌ Outdated address — always update Anmeldung
❌ No birth certificate — translate and certify it

Child in Poland, you in Germany?

As an EU citizen working in Germany, you're entitled to Kindergeld even if your child lives in Poland. You fill:
- Standard application
- Attachment Anlage Ausland (for children abroad)

Editorial hamboorg.city · As of: April 2026 · Carefully prepared, regularly updated. Content is informational and does not replace legal advice.