Allowance
Kindergeld (child benefit)
Kindergeld ·Administered by Familienkasse der Bundesagentur für Arbeit
Kindergeld continues right through university: as long as you're in your first vocational training or first degree, your parents receive it until your 25th birthday. In a first degree your own earnings don't matter; after a first qualification the entitlement lapses if you work more than 20 hours per week. On 1 January 2026 it rose to €259 per month, and in special cases it can be paid out directly to you (Abzweigung).
Who qualifies
- Under 25 and in your first vocational training or first degree
- After a first qualification: lapses if you work more than 20 hours per week
- Paid to your parents; direct payment to you is possible via Abzweigung
- Retroactive claims for a maximum of 6 months
How to apply
Your parents apply to the Familienkasse of the Federal Employment Agency — online via arbeitsagentur.de.
Deadlines: Retroactive payment for a maximum of 6 months
Apply / official channel →Recent & announced changes
Rose from €255 to €259 per month on 1 January 2026.
Sources
- Kindergeld steigt ab Januar 2026 — Bundesagentur für Arbeit (retrieved 10 July 2026)
- Kindergeld — Bundesagentur für Arbeit (retrieved 10 July 2026)
Last verified 10 July 2026