🇩🇪 Germany

Kindergeld

Child Benefit Application

Medium 20 min FamilyBenefitsChildren

/ What is this form?

Kindergeld is a monthly child benefit payment provided by the German government to support families with children. As of 2026, the benefit is €259 per month per child, regardless of income, and is paid for all children up to the age of 18. In certain circumstances — when the child is in education, vocational training, or unable to work due to a disability — payments can continue until the child turns 25.

Kindergeld is administered by the Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office), which is part of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). It applies to anyone living and working in Germany, including EU citizens and, in many cases, non-EU nationals with a valid residence permit.

The application form is known as KG1 (Antrag auf Kindergeld). Each additional child is added using a supplementary sheet (KG1K). Once approved, payments are made retroactively and then monthly to your registered German bank account.

/ Who needs this form?

Parents living in Germany with at least one child under 18
Parents with children aged 18–25 who are in education, vocational training, or registered as unemployed
Parents with children of any age who are disabled and unable to support themselves
EU citizens working in Germany, even if their children live in another EU country
Non-EU nationals with a long-term residence permit or settlement permit in Germany

/ What you need before you start

Your Steuer-ID (11-digit German tax identification number)

Your child's Steuer-ID (sent by post after registering the birth at the Standesamt)

Your German IBAN (bank account number)

Child's birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde)

For children over 18: current school or university enrollment certificate

For non-EU parents: copy of your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel)

If separated: custody arrangement documentation

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Personal Information

Fill in your full name, date of birth, address, and tax ID (Steuer-ID). If you're married, include your partner's details as well.

2 Child Details

Enter each child's name, date of birth, and tax ID. For children over 18, you'll also need to provide information about their education or vocational training.

3 Bank Account

Provide your German IBAN. Kindergeld is paid directly to this account, usually monthly.

4 Employment & Income

State whether you're employed, self-employed, or receiving other benefits. This affects eligibility in some cases.

5 Signature & Submission

Sign the form and submit it to your local Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office). You can submit by post or in person.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Familienkasse	The Familienkasse responsible for your area — usually the one nearest to your employer or place of residence.	Sending to the wrong Familienkasse. Use the official locator tool on arbeitsagentur.de.
Antragsteller (Applicant)	Your full legal name exactly as it appears on your passport or ID.	Using a nickname or maiden name instead of your legal name.
Steuer-ID (Tax ID)	Your 11-digit Steuer-ID. This is different from your tax number (Steuernummer).	Confusing the Steuer-ID with the Steuernummer. The Steuer-ID is always 11 digits.
IBAN	Your German IBAN in the format DE followed by 20 digits.	Using a foreign bank account — Kindergeld can only be paid to a German account.
Kind (Child)	Full name, date of birth, place of birth, and Steuer-ID of each child.	Forgetting to include the child's Steuer-ID, which delays processing significantly.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Applying too late — Kindergeld can only be backdated 6 months, so delays cost you money.

Forgetting to include the child's Steuer-ID, which causes the application to be returned.

Using a foreign bank account — payments are only made to German accounts (IBAN starting with DE).

Not updating the application when your child turns 18 and starts university or training.

Sending the application to the wrong Familienkasse — always check which office covers your area.

Not declaring other EU child benefits you receive — Germany may offset its payment accordingly.

/ Frequently asked questions

How much is Kindergeld in Germany?

As of January 2026, Kindergeld is €259 per month for each child, regardless of income or the number of children.

Who can apply for Kindergeld?

Anyone living and working in Germany can apply, including EU citizens and non-EU nationals with a valid long-term residence permit. You must be liable for income tax in Germany.

How long does it take to receive Kindergeld after applying?

Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks. Once approved, payments are made retroactively from the month you applied or the month the child was born, whichever is later.

Until what age is Kindergeld paid?

Kindergeld is paid until the child turns 18. It continues until age 25 if the child is in education, vocational training, or registered as unemployed seeking work.

What is the Steuer-ID and where do I find it?

The Steuer-ID is an 11-digit permanent tax identification number issued to every person registered in Germany. It is sent by letter to your registered address. You can also request it from the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern.

Can I receive Kindergeld if my child lives in another EU country?

Yes. If you work in Germany but your children live in another EU country, you may still be entitled to Kindergeld. Germany may pay the difference if the other country pays a lower child benefit.