What is the Familienkasse in Germany? A Comprehensive Guide*
The Familienkasse is a key public institution in Germany, responsible for financial support and benefits for families with children. With ongoing changes in German social and tax law, the Familienkasse has become increasingly important in providing a social safety net for families – both German citizens and foreign nationals with legal residence. This 2025 guide explains what the Familienkasse is, which benefits it offers, who can apply, as well as main advantages, disadvantages and other important details.
The Familienkasse operates under the umbrella of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). It processes applications for family benefits that are intended to support children and their caregivers. Its main tasks include:
Paying child benefit (Kindergeld)
Paying supplementary child allowance (Kinderzuschlag) if basic child benefit is not sufficient
Handling changes in family or employment situations (e.g. job changes, relocations)
The overall goal of the Familienkasse is to help ensure that children grow up under decent conditions and to reduce the financial burden on parents or legal guardians, thereby contributing to greater family stability.
Kindergeld is the basic financial benefit paid to parents or legal guardians to cover part of the costs of raising children, usually until the age of 18. In certain cases, it can be paid beyond 18, for example:
Education or vocational training:
If the child is still in school, university or vocational training, Kindergeld is generally paid up to the age of 25.
Searching for training or work:
The benefit can continue for a limited period after the 18th birthday while the young person is actively looking for a job or training place.
Children with disabilities:
In cases of permanent disability preventing independent living, child benefit can be granted for a longer period.
Kinderzuschlag is an additional benefit for families with low income, whose earnings and Kindergeld alone are not enough to cover children’s needs. It is designed to prevent families from having to rely entirely on basic income support (e.g. Bürgergeld via the Jobcenter).
The amount depends on:
Parents’ income
Number of children
Housing and living costs
Information and counselling:
The Familienkasse offers hotlines and local offices to support parents in completing applications and understanding their rights and obligations.
Updating data:
In case of changes in employment, place of residence or family situation (e.g. marriage, divorce, new children), the Familienkasse updates the family file and adjusts payments accordingly.
Certificates and confirmations:
On request, the Familienkasse issues certificates about child benefit or Kinderzuschlag, for use with schools, authorities or other institutions.
Eligible groups
German citizens:
Any German citizen living in Germany who has legal custody of a child can apply for Kindergeld.
Foreign residents with a valid residence permit:
People with certain long-term or permanent residence titles are usually eligible for child benefit.
Foreign students and job seekers:
Under specific conditions, they may also receive child benefit if they legally reside in Germany and have children.
Recognised refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection:
Depending on their legal status and duration of stay, they can also be entitled to family benefits.
Basic requirements
Legal residence of the applicant in Germany
Birth certificate or official proof of the child’s relationship
Tax identification number (Steuer-ID) for each family member living in Germany
Additional documents in specific cases (divorce, adoption, disability, etc.)
Step 1: Collect required documents
Children’s birth certificates
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
German ID or residence permit
Tax ID numbers
Proof of income (especially for Kinderzuschlag)
Step 2: Submit the application
Online via the official Familienkasse/BA website
Or using paper forms sent by post or handed in at a local office
Step 3: Processing and decision
The Familienkasse checks eligibility and verifies the documents.
Processing can take several weeks.
The decision is sent by post: either approval or rejection (with reasons).
Step 4: Monthly payments
If approved, payments are transferred monthly to the bank account you provided.
It is essential to inform the Familienkasse of any changes in income, employment, residence or family status to avoid overpayments or benefit suspension.
Reduced financial pressure:
Kindergeld and Kinderzuschlag help parents to pay for food, clothing, education and leisure activities for their children.
Support for education and healthy development:
Financial relief allows families to invest more in school-related expenses, books, courses and sports.
Greater social stability:
By easing economic stress, Familienkasse benefits can improve mental well-being and family relationships.
Digital processes:
By 2025, most application and change procedures are available online, making access to benefits quicker and more convenient.
Better coordination with other agencies:
Cooperation with Jobcenters or other authorities helps avoid gaps or overlaps in support.
Bureaucratic procedures:
Applications and reviews can feel complex and time-consuming, with multiple forms and documents required.
Obligation to keep information up to date:
Beneficiaries must report changes in a timely manner; failing to do so can lead to problems or repayment demands.
Benefits may not cover all needs:
In cities with high living costs, Familienkasse payments often cannot cover all child-related expenses.
Risk of repayment claims:
If incorrect or outdated information leads to excessive payments, the Familienkasse can demand repayment.
Regional differences in practice:
While legal rules are nationwide, processing times and some practical details can differ slightly between regions or offices.
Notify early:
After the birth or adoption of a child, apply for Kindergeld as soon as possible.
Store digital copies:
Keep PDFs of important documents (birth certificates, IDs, permits, previous decisions) ready for online use.
Maintain regular contact:
Inform the Familienkasse immediately of major changes (new job, moving, divorce, new marriage, additional children).
Check eligibility for additional schemes:
Besides Kindergeld, you may qualify for Kinderzuschlag, daycare subsidies or other family-related benefits.
Keep an eye on legal changes:
Rules regarding benefit amounts, income limits and conditions can change; check official sources or seek legal advice if needed.
The Familienkasse plays a central role in Germany’s family support system. Through Kindergeld and Kinderzuschlag, it helps to secure children’s basic needs and reduce the financial burden on parents. Despite disadvantages such as bureaucracy and limited benefit levels, it remains one of the most important pillars of family support for both German and foreign families living legally in Germany.
If you are raising children in Germany, it is well worth understanding how the Familienkasse works, checking your entitlements and staying in close, honest contact with the office – so you can access the support your family is entitled to.
* Our editorial team strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information based on careful research and multiple sources. However, errors or incomplete details can never be fully excluded. This article is therefore intended as general guidance only; for binding and current information, please contact the competent authorities.
