RaayaA letter from the Familienkasse: what it usually means
- Last reviewed: 2026-10
The Familienkasse pays Kindergeld. Its letters usually decide on your application, ask for proof or concern changes and repayments.
Snap the letter, Raaya explains it and tracks the FristWhat the letter is usually about
Decision (Bescheid) on Kindergeld
Approves or refuses Kindergeld, or stops it. You can object within one month of receiving it.
Request for proof
For example a birth certificate, a school or training certificate, or proof of residence. Send it by the date given, or payments can stop.
Repayment demand (Rückforderung)
The Familienkasse thinks it paid too much. Check the period and the reason; you can object within one month and ask about instalments.
Check these first
- Your Kindergeld number
- Which child and which months
- Deadline and what to send
- Whether it is a decision with a legal notice (Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung)
Official sources
Related guides
- Kindergeld: applying for child benefitApply for Kindergeld at the Familienkasse: who can get it, the tax IDs you need, the six-month back-payment limit and what to do with their letters.
- Widerspruch: how to object to a decision (Bescheid)Got a Bescheid you disagree with? How a Widerspruch or Einspruch works in Germany, the usual one-month deadline and what to put in the letter.
Questions and answers
What does a “Decision (Bescheid) on Kindergeld” from the Familienkasse mean?
Approves or refuses Kindergeld, or stops it. You can object within one month of receiving it.
What does a “Request for proof” from the Familienkasse mean?
For example a birth certificate, a school or training certificate, or proof of residence. Send it by the date given, or payments can stop.
What does a “Repayment demand (Rückforderung)” from the Familienkasse mean?
The Familienkasse thinks it paid too much. Check the period and the reason; you can object within one month and ask about instalments.
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.