Kindergeld: Child Benefit

€259 per month for each child. Apply via the Familienkasse — online or using form KG1. Key document: the child's Steuer-ID (tax ID), which arrives by post 2–3 weeks after the Standesamt registration.

✓ Verified: 15/08/2026

WHAT TO DO

Wait for the child's Steuer-ID by post — automatically issued 2–3 weeks after the Standesamt registration

Apply online via the Familienkasse (arbeitsagentur.de) or fill in form KG1 and send by post
Attach: copy of the child's Geburtsurkunde + child's Steuer-ID + IBAN for payments

AUTHORITY

Familienkasse (Bundesagentur für Arbeit)

Public body

Kindergeld and the child supplement run through the Familienkasse at the Agentur für Arbeit. You apply online.

Online service

What and when

Kindergeld is a monthly child benefit paid by the German state: €259 per month per child, regardless of parental income.

You can apply as soon as you receive the child’s Steuer-ID (tax identification number) — automatically assigned by the Finanzamt after the birth is registered at the Standesamt. It arrives by post within 2–3 weeks.

What you need to do

Step 1: Wait for the Steuer-ID

The letter comes to your registered address. If more than 4 weeks have passed: call your local Finanzamt.

Step 2: Submit the application

Online (faster): familienkasse.de → “Kindergeld beantragen” → online form KG1.

By post: download form KG1 from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit website, complete it, and send to your nearest Familienkasse.

Documents needed:

Copy of the child’s Geburtsurkunde
Child’s Steuer-ID
Your IBAN for payments

Step 3: Wait for approval

The Familienkasse processes applications within 4–8 weeks. Once approved, all months from birth are paid at once.

Important: 6-month limit

Kindergeld is paid retroactively but only for up to 6 months before the application date. Do not delay beyond this.

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› Details and tips

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Max recommends:

Steuer-ID arrived on day 18. Applied online — the whole process took 15 minutes. First payment came after 5 weeks, covering 2 months at once.

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Lea recommends:

Fill in form KG1 carefully: errors in IBAN or Steuer-ID delay the process by weeks. Double-check all numbers before sending.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How much is Kindergeld in 2025? ▾

€259 per month per child, regardless of family income. The same for the first, second, and third child. Paid monthly until age 18 (25 if in education or training).

From when is Kindergeld paid? ▾

Retroactively from the month of birth. If you apply 2 months after birth, you receive both months at once. Important: retroactive payment is limited to 6 months before the application date.

What if the Steuer-ID doesn't arrive? ▾

The Steuer-ID is automatically assigned after the birth is registered at the Standesamt. If more than 4 weeks have passed with no letter: contact your Finanzamt.