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🇩🇪 Germany

Kinderzuschlag (KiZ)

Child Supplement Benefit

Medium ~15 min ChildrenBenefitsLow Income

/ What is this form?

Kinderzuschlag (KiZ) is an additional benefit on top of Kindergeld for families whose income covers their own basic needs but not enough to cover their children's expenses. It is up to €297/month per child (2024).

Unlike Bürgergeld, KiZ is available to working parents — you must have a minimum monthly income of at least €900 (couples) or €600 (single parents). KiZ recipients are specifically excluded from Bürgergeld.

The application is submitted every 6 months to the Familienkasse with updated income documentation. KiZ also opens access to the Bildungspaket (education package) for school expenses, class trips, and after-school activities.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Working parents with low income who receive Kindergeld
  • Parents earning at least €900/month (couples) or €600/month (single parents)
  • Families whose income is not sufficient to cover their children's needs
  • Families NOT receiving Bürgergeld

/ What you need before you start

Proof of income (pay slips for the last month)
Housing costs documentation (rental contract, rent receipts)
Kindergeld confirmation letter
Bank account IBAN

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Check Income Threshold
Confirm your income is above the minimum (€900/month couples, €600/month single parents) but not enough to cover your children's needs.
2 Confirm Kindergeld
You must already be receiving Kindergeld — KiZ is an additional payment on top.
3 Complete Form KiZ 1
Fill in household income, housing costs, and children's details.
4 Submit to Familienkasse
Submit to the Familienkasse — the same office that handles Kindergeld.
5 Renew Every 6 Months
KiZ must be renewed every 6 months with updated income information.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Bruttoeinkommen Gross monthly income of both parents from all sources. Forgetting to include side income, rental income, or partner's earnings.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not knowing about KiZ — many eligible families miss out because they're unaware.
Not reapplying every 6 months — KiZ is only valid for 6-month periods.
Applying while receiving Bürgergeld — the two benefits are mutually exclusive.

/ Frequently asked questions

Can I get KiZ and Kindergeld at the same time?

Yes. KiZ is specifically designed as an addition on top of Kindergeld for working families.