Kindergeld (child benefit)
A basic benefit for children, not income-dependent in the same way as KiZ.
Reviewed by a specialist on 19/10/2026
Up to 297 € per child per month
Including the immediate supplement, on top of Kindergeld (child benefit). The maximum is not a promise: income, assets, housing costs and family size affect the actual amount.
Kindergeld (child benefit) ≠ Kinderzuschlag (child supplement) ≠ Wohngeld (housing benefit)
Kinderzuschlag (child supplement)
Extra help for families on a low income; the Family Benefits Office assesses need.
Wohngeld (housing benefit)
Help with housing costs; apply to the housing benefit office.
Example without an entitlement calculation: a couple with two children receives Kindergeld (child benefit) and has income from work. If money is tight, they can check eligibility for KiZ and housing benefit. The responsible bodies decide whether payments are due and how much, based on the documents.
Which requirements matter?
The child lives in your household, is neither married nor in a registered partnership, and is under 25. You receive Kindergeld (child benefit) or a comparable benefit. Generally, a couple needs a gross monthly income of at least 900 €, and a single parent at least 600 €. Kindergeld and housing benefit do not count towards this minimum income threshold. Meeting the threshold alone does not guarantee entitlement: income, KiZ and, where applicable, housing benefit must be enough to cover the family's assessed needs; additional conditions apply under the extended eligibility rules.
What to do
- 1
Check age, household, Kindergeld (child benefit) and income.
- 2
Use the official KiZ-Lotse eligibility guide for an initial check – it does not calculate the exact amount.
- 3
Apply to the Family Benefits Office, even if you still need to submit documents later.
- 4
Prepare proof of income, housing costs and details of your assets. The Family Benefits Office will tell you which documents are required.
- 5
Read the decision notice and reapply in good time before the award ends.
Generally awarded for 6 months. No payments for months before the application; apply early and submit missing documents later.
KiZ can be combined with housing benefit and may avoid the need for basic income support. If these do not cover your assessed needs, the responsible basic income support office can help. With KiZ, your child can receive education and participation benefits, for example for school supplies, lunches, trips and leisure activities. Exemption from daycare fees may also be possible; this usually requires separate proof or an application to the responsible body.
A German passport is not generally required. Entitlement to Kindergeld (child benefit) is one important factor; for foreign nationals, residence permits, work and cross-border family circumstances may be decisive. The Family Benefits Office checks the specific situation. Nationality alone does not guarantee entitlement.
Check the reasons and the instructions on how to appeal. An objection can generally be filed within one month of notification; different deadlines may apply if the instructions are missing or incorrect. You must report changes such as a child moving out or a change of household. Changes only to income or housing costs generally do not lead to a recalculation during the current award period; a new award involves a fresh review of the relevant period. Ask the Family Benefits Office what you need to report in your case.
This is orientation, not legal advice. Please check the details at the official source.
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