Parents may only claim child allowance if their monthly income in cash or monetary value (e.g. gross income from work, unemployment benefits (Arbeitslosengeld), continued wages in the event of illness, etc.) is at or above the minimum income level. The minimum income is € 900 for couples and € 600 for single parents.
They can usually receive child allowance if their income, child benefits, any housing allowance and the child allowance would allow them to cover their family’s needs, as described in the Second Book of the German Social Security Code (SGB II).
If they cannot cover all their family’s needs with these payments, however, they may still be entitled to receive child allowance in certain cases via the extended access option.
They must meet 2 requirements to take advantage of this extended access option, they must not …
- negativ:be over € 100 short of covering their family’s needs with their income from work, the child allowance and any housing allowance and
- negativ:receive any benefits stipulated in SGB II or apply for any such support.
Monthly amount and payment
The exact amount of child allowance is determined by the income and assets of both the parents and children. It is limited to up to € 292 a month per child. Child allowance is paid out every month with child benefits.
How to apply for child allowance
Child allowance can be requested from your local Familienkasse at the Federal Employment Agency, which is also responsible for processing applications. The same applies to civil servants.
If you have any questions about your application and personal circumstances, please contact your local Familienkasse.
