The Familienkasse is part of the employment agency but has nothing to do with the Jobcenter: Kindergeld is not welfare and does not harm any residence status. Note the Kindergeldnummer from your decision letter — schools and offices ask for it constantly.
Kindergeld: Applying to the Familienkasse
Online application via the BA portal in 20 minutes. You need the tax IDs of parent and child plus the birth certificate.
✓ Verified: 18/07/2026
WHAT TO DO
AUTHORITY
Familienkasse (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)
Public bodyKindergeld and the child supplement run through the Familienkasse at the Agentur für Arbeit. You apply online.
DOCUMENTS 4
› Details and tips
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Max recommends:
Applied online at arbeitsagentur.de with BundID: passport, certificate, two tax IDs. I noted the Kindergeld number from the decision — schools, doctors and offices ask for it constantly.
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Lea recommends:
The Familienkasse is not the Jobcenter, Kindergeld is not welfare and does not harm your status. Many fear applying to protect their permit — a myth, apply calmly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Divorced — who receives Kindergeld? ▾
Whoever the child permanently lives with. On a change of the child main residence a re-registration is needed — otherwise money goes to the wrong parent and recovery drags.
The child tax ID has not arrived — should I wait? ▾
No, submit without it and add the number later. The application date matters more than completeness — it sets the number of back-payment months.
When does the money arrive? ▾
Usually within 4–8 weeks, paid as a lump sum for all months you were entitled to, from birth or arrival.