When is Kindergeld paid out each month
Kindergeld is a vital benefit for families in Germany, providing financial support to help cover the costs of raising children.
While it’s a monthly payment, not every family receives it on the same day.
Knowing exactly when the money will arrive can help you plan your budget, avoid stress, and resolve issues quickly if something goes wrong.
The payment date depends on a specific system managed by the Familienkasse. Here’s how it works.
How the Payment System Works
The Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office) uses the Endziffer, the last digit of your Kindergeldnummer, to determine the exact day the payment is transferred.
- Lower numbers (0 and 1): Paid at the beginning of the month
- Middle numbers (2 to 7): Paid mid-month
- Higher numbers (8 and 9): Paid toward the end of the month
💡 Kinderzuschlag (child supplement) follows the same schedule as Kindergeld.
This staggered system helps distribute payments smoothly across millions of households each month.
Where to Find Your Endziffer
Your Kindergeldnummer is printed on every official letter you receive from the Familienkasse.
The Endziffer is simply the last digit of this number.
Example:
If your Kindergeldnummer is 123FK4567, the Endziffer is 7.
This number tells you exactly which day of the month your Kindergeld will be paid.
Official Payment Calendar for 2025
The exact dates change every year.
For 2025, here’s a general overview of how the payments are distributed by Endziffer group:
| Endziffer | Approximate Timing |
|---|---|
| 0 – 1 | Beginning of the month |
| 2 – 7 | Middle of the month |
| 8 – 9 | End of the month |
The Bundesagentur für Arbeit publishes a full Überweisungsplan with exact dates for every month.
You can download it here:
🔗 Official Payment Schedule 2025
Weekends, Holidays, and Bank Delays
Sometimes, the scheduled transfer day falls on a weekend or public holiday.
In this case:
- The payment is usually moved to the previous business day.
- After the transfer, banks may take 1–2 extra days to process and display the deposit in your account.
💡 Tip: Wait two full business days after the scheduled date before contacting the Familienkasse about a missing payment.
What to Do if Your Payment is Late
If your Kindergeld hasn’t arrived on time:
- Check your Endziffer and calendar to confirm the expected date.
- Verify with your bank that there are no processing delays.
- Contact the Familienkasse directly:
- General hotline: 0800 4 5555 30 (free within Germany)
- For payout questions: 0800 4 5555 33
You can also visit their official website:
🔗 Familienkasse Information Page
FAQ – Common Questions
1. What happens if my bank account changes?
Notify the Familienkasse immediately to avoid payment disruptions.
2. Can I receive Kindergeld retroactively?
Yes, you can claim payments retroactively for up to six months.
3. What if my child is born mid-month?
Kindergeld will start for that child from the month of birth.
4. Does the Endziffer ever change?
Only if your Kindergeldnummer changes, such as after moving to a different region.
5. Where can I see the exact calendar?
On the official Bundesagentur für Arbeit website under Auszahlungstermine.