Family benefits at a glance (2026)
| Benefit | Amount | Where | Key rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergeld | €259/month per child | Familienkasse (online at arbeitsagentur.de/familie-und-kinder) | Paid retroactively for only 6 months — apply right away. Needs Steuer-IDs of parent and child. Non-EU: your permit must normally allow employment |
| Kinderfreibetrag | €6,828 per child (+ €2,928 for care/education = €9,756) | Automatically checked in your tax return | The tax office compares it with Kindergeld and uses whichever is better (higher earners) |
| Elterngeld (parental allowance) | 65–67% of prior net income, min. €300, max. €1,800/month | Elterngeldstelle of your state | Up to 14 months (12 + 2 partner months); ElterngeldPlus = half the amount for twice as long. Apply within 3 months of birth (only 3 months retroactive). Not available if taxable household income exceeds €175,000 (births since 1 April 2025) |
| Kinderzuschlag (child supplement) | Up to roughly €300/month per child | Familienkasse | For low-income working families who earn enough for themselves but not for their children |
| Unterhaltsvorschuss | Monthly advance | Jugendamt | Single parents when the other parent doesn't pay child support |
| Bildung und Teilhabe | School trips, lunch, tutoring, school supplies | Jobcenter / municipality | For families receiving benefits or Kinderzuschlag |
Budgeting with children
- Kita fees and meals: €0–600/month, depending on state and income.
- Childcare costs: 80% deductible as special expenses, up to €4,800 per child per year.
- Single parents: tax class II with a relief amount.
- Open a children's savings plan with the Kindergeld if your budget allows.