RaayaKindergeld: applying for child benefit
- Built-in template
- Last reviewed: 2026-10
Kindergeld is a monthly payment for children, paid by the Familienkasse. You apply once per child, online or on paper. Apply soon after the birth or after you arrive: back payments are limited to six months before the month your application arrives.
Start this journey in RaayaSteps
Check that you can claim
In general, you need to live or work in Germany and the child must live with you. For non-EU citizens, the residence permit matters. The Familienkasse's site has the details.
Collect the tax IDs
You need your Steuer-ID and the child's Steuer-ID. A newborn's tax ID arrives by post after the birth is registered.
Apply
Apply online or with the paper form at the Familienkasse responsible for you. Only one person gets Kindergeld per child; the other parent may need to sign.
Answer follow-up letters
The Familienkasse may ask for proof such as a birth certificate or, for older children, a school or training certificate. Reply by the date in the letter.
Report changes
Tell the Familienkasse when you move, when the child moves out, or when training or school ends.
Documents you'll need
- Your tax ID and the child's tax ID
- Birth certificate
- Residence permit, if you are not an EU citizen
- School or training certificate for children over 18
Deadlines (Fristen)
- Back payments only for the six months before the month your application arrives.
- Reply to Familienkasse letters by the date they give.
Questions and answers
How much is Kindergeld?
The amount is set by law and changes from time to time. Check the current amount on the Familienkasse website.
Can I get Kindergeld if my child lives abroad?
Sometimes, for example within the EU. The rules are complex; ask the Familienkasse about your case.
Start from a template
Official sources
Related guides
- Elterngeld: parental allowance in GermanyElterngeld in Germany: when to apply (back pay is only three months), which documents you need, how to plan the months and where to apply.
- Anmeldung: registering your address in GermanyHow to do your Anmeldung in Germany: the two-week deadline, the landlord confirmation, what to bring to the Bürgeramt and what happens next.
- Ummeldung: moving within GermanyMoving within Germany? Register your new address within two weeks (Ummeldung), then update your car, bank, insurer and Rundfunkbeitrag. Checklist.
- EU Blue Card renewal in GermanyRenewing or changing your EU Blue Card in Germany: apply before it expires, documents the Ausländerbehörde asks for, and what a Fiktionsbescheinigung is.
General information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the official source or get advice for your case before you act.