How much Kindergeld do I get per child

Raising children comes with many costs, from diapers and school supplies to clothes, transportation, and healthy food.

To help families handle these expenses, the German government provides Kindergeld—a monthly child benefit designed to support parents financially.

Whether you are a new parent, have recently moved to Germany, or already receive payments, one of the first questions families ask is:

“How much Kindergeld will I get for each child?”

This article breaks down the current payment amounts for 2025, explains how long you can receive Kindergeld, provides examples for families of different sizes, and answers common questions about this essential benefit.

Kindergeld Amount for 2025

As of January 2025, the monthly Kindergeld payment is €255 per child.

This fixed rate applies equally to every child in the household, regardless of whether it is your first child or your fifth.

Here is a simple table to show the monthly amounts clearly:

💡 Example: A family with three children will receive €765 every month, since each child qualifies for the same fixed amount of €255.

Why the Amount Changed

Before 2023, the Kindergeld system had tiered rates, meaning families received slightly higher payments for the third child and even more for the fourth and beyond.

However, to simplify the process and make it fairer, the government introduced a single, standardized amount per child starting in 2023.

This reform continues in 2025, so all children receive the same monthly support.

The goal is to make calculations easier for families and ensure equal benefits for everyone.

Duration of Payments

Kindergeld is not only for babies and young children. Payments continue as children grow, as long as certain conditions are met.

Here is how long you can receive Kindergeld for each child:

• Up to age 18: Payments are automatic for all children under 18 years old.
• Up to age 25: If the child is in school, vocational training, or studying at university, payments continue until their 25th birthday.
• Up to age 21: If the child is unemployed and registered with the German employment office as a job seeker, payments can continue until age 21.

💡 Important: If your child finishes school, gets a full-time job, or moves abroad, you must inform the Familienkasse immediately so they can adjust or stop payments as needed.

When Payments Are Made

Kindergeld payments are made once a month, but not all families receive them on the same date.

The last digit of your Kindergeldnummer—known as the Endziffer—determines the payment day:

• 0–1: Early in the month
• 2–7: Middle of the month
• 8–9: Toward the end of the month

The Bundesagentur für Arbeit publishes an official Überweisungsplan each year listing the exact dates for all Endziffer groups.

If the payment date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the transfer usually happens on the previous business day.

Examples for Different Family Sizes

To illustrate how much families can expect each month:

• 1 child: €255 per month
• 2 children: €510 per month
• 3 children: €765 per month
• 4 children: €1,020 per month
• 5 children: €1,275 per month

Simply multiply the number of children by €255 to calculate your total monthly support.

What Happens if You Have Another Child

If you have another child during the year, you can apply to add them to your existing Kindergeld account.

Once approved, payments for the new child will start from the month of birth, not from the application date.

This ensures families receive full support without losing any months.

FAQ – Common Questions

1. Does Kindergeld increase with inflation automatically?
No, any increase must be approved by the government and announced publicly.

2. Can both parents receive Kindergeld?
No, only one parent receives payments for each child, usually the one the child lives with most of the time.

3. What if my child studies abroad?
You may still receive payments, but you must provide proof of enrollment and contact the Familienkasse.

4. Can I claim unpaid Kindergeld retroactively?
Yes, you can claim payments retroactively for up to six months.

5. Where can I find the payment schedule?
On the Bundesagentur für Arbeit website under Kindergeld Auszahlungstermine.