Elterngeld & Kindergeld in Germany: Complete Guide to Family Financial Benefits

Germany offers robust financial support for parents. Whether you are a long-term resident or an expat holding a residence permit, you may be eligible for significant monthly cash allowances: Kindergeld (child benefit) and Elterngeld (parental leave allowance).

This guide outlines eligibility requirements, payout amounts, and step-by-step application instructions for foreign parents living in Germany.

1. Kindergeld (Child Benefit)

Kindergeld is a monthly tax-funded payment provided by the German government to support the upbringing of children.

Amount & Coverage

• Monthly Amount: €255 per child per month (standard rate across Germany).
• Duration: Paid from birth until the child reaches age 18 (can be extended to age 25 if the child is in full-time university education or an Ausbildung / vocational training).

Eligibility for Expats

EU/EEA citizens and non-EU nationals holding a valid settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or work visa (such as an EU Blue Card or skilled worker visa) are eligible for Kindergeld, provided their primary tax residence is in Germany.

How to Apply for Kindergeld

1. Wait for Tax ID: Once your baby is born (or after completing Anmeldung after moving to Germany), your child will receive a Personal Tax ID (Steuer-ID).
2. Submit Form to Familienkasse: Complete the application forms (Antrag auf Kindergeld) and send them to your local Familienkasse (Family Office at the Federal Employment Agency).
3. Required Attachments: Child’s birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde), parents’ tax IDs, passports, and residence permits.

2. Elterngeld (Parental Leave Allowance)

Elterngeld is designed to replace lost income for parents who take time off work or reduce their working hours to care for a newborn child.

Types of Elterngeld

• Basiselterngeld (Basic Parental Allowance): Replaces 65% of your pre-birth net income (capped at a maximum of €1,800/month and a minimum of €300/month). Paid for up to 14 months shared between both parents.
• ElterngeldPlus: Ideal for parents who return to part-time work early (up to 32 hours per week). Replaces up to 50% of lost income for double the duration (up to 28 months).
• Partnerschaftsbonus (Partnership Bonus): Additional 4 months of ElterngeldPlus if both parents work part-time simultaneously (24–32 hours/week).

Income Caps & Thresholds

Please note that recent statutory rules limit Elterngeld eligibility for high earners. Households with a joint taxable income exceeding €175,000 per year are no longer eligible for basic Elterngeld.

How to Apply for Elterngeld

1. Apply through the official state portal (ElterngeldDigital).
2. Key Documents Required:
   • Official birth certificate specifically issued for Elterngeld (Geburtsbescheinigung für Elterngeld).
   • Payslips (Gehaltsabrechnungen) for the 12 months preceding the birth (or 12 months prior to maternity leave).
   • Employer declaration confirming parental leave (Elternzeit).

Summary Checklist for New Parents

Need to register your newborn or secure local daycare? Read our guides on Having a Baby in Germany and Finding a Kita Spot!