Child Benefit 2025 and Tax Declaration in Germany

 In today’s article, we provide answers to the most frequently asked questions related to this type of benefit.

Child benefit – what is it? 

In Germany, ‘Kindergeld’ refers to the family allowance granted to people with children. It is intended to ensure appropriate material conditions for the development and education of children. The amount of child benefit depends on the number of children in the family. Anyone who is raising a child and

• working under German conditions in Germany,
• self-employed,
• working seasonally,
• working in Germany and paying social security contributions in Poland.

The amount of annual incomeis not considered when applying for child benefit.

Who can apply for child benefit? 

Who can apply for child benefit? In Germany, parents are entitled to this benefit under certain conditions.

Child benefit in Germany is paid for each child until the age of 18. If the child is older, they can also apply for child benefit, provided they are in education. In this case, the money is paid until the child reaches the age of twenty-five. Child benefit is also paid in Germany to children under twenty-one if they meet one of the following conditions:

• They are unemployed,
• their income has not exceeded eight thousand euros per year.

When applying for child benefit for a disabled child with a medical certificate issued before the age of 18, there is no age restriction, but an income criterion.

Who is entitled to child benefit? 

Child benefit in Germany is available to biological children, adopted children, adopted children, and children who are permanently integrated into the household. This includes, for example, children of an official partner or spouse from another relationship or grandchildren for whom the grandparents have official custody. In these cases, it is important that the joint registration of the children and their guardians can be confirmed when applying for child benefit. Child benefit can also be applied for under certain conditions for children living in Poland.

Applying for child benefit – how is it paid? 

When paying out child benefit, it is considered whether the parents (or guardians) are in a relationship or not. You must wait between two and six months for a decision on whether you will receive child benefit. Child benefit is usually paid to the mother or father – unless they decide otherwise and sign the appropriate documents confirming the change. If the parents (guardians) are separated or divorced, child benefit is paid to the person with whom the child currently lives. The exact dates for child benefit payments in 2025 can be found on the website of the Federal Employment Agency.

What is the amount of child benefit in 2025? 

The amount of child benefit depends on the number of children in the family. In 2025, you can receive the following amount:

• 255 euros per month for the first child
• 510 euros per month for the second child.

• 765 euros per month for the third child.
• 1020 euros per month for the fourth child and each additional child.

In addition to regular child benefits, families may also benefit from the Children’s Bonus 2025 – an additional financial support granted by the state to parents. It is worth checking whether you are entitled to this benefit.

Child benefit vs. the Polish Family 800+ benefit

If a family living in Germany also receives the Polish Family 800+ benefit, they are obliged to report this to the German office. According to the law, there isnothing against receiving both benefits simultaneously, but in this case, the amount of the German child benefit will be reduced by the amount of the Polish 800+. This is because both benefits are received by the family for the same purpose, namely the support of the child, and are therefore considered identical by the German office.

Child benefit – when can you apply for it? 

You can apply for child benefit six months after starting your activity in Germany. You can also receive child benefit retroactively for up to six months before the application is submitted. The relevant documents must be submitted in person, online, by post, or through an authorized representative at the family benefits office. It is not necessary to submit a new application every year – child benefit will continue to be paid as long as no changes have occurred in the meantime.

Child benefit 2025 – Summary

As already mentioned, the application for child benefit in Germany can be made in several ways. The by far quickest and most convenient way is the online application. Special software applications help accurately calculate the income tax refund for the tax year concerned. One such application is the easy-to-use and intuitive tax refund program Taxando.