How to check Kindergeld payment dates
Kindergeld, Germany’s child benefit program, is one of the most important social supports for families. It provides monthly payments to help with the costs of raising children.
These payments are managed by the Familienkasse, a division of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit).
Knowing exactly when Kindergeld will be paid is crucial for household budgeting and planning.
This guide explains how the payment schedule works, where to find official dates, and what to do if you cannot confirm when your benefit will arrive.
📅 Why Payment Dates Vary
Kindergeld is not paid on the same day for everyone. Instead, payments are organized according to a unique system based on the last digit of your Kindergeld number (Kindergeldnummer).
- If your number ends in a lower digit (0–3), you receive your payment earlier in the month.
- Higher digits, like 8 or 9, are processed later.
- If a payment date falls on a weekend or public holiday, the transfer will happen on the next business day.
Example:
A family with a Kindergeld number ending in 1 might receive payment around the 6th of the month, while a number ending in 9 may be processed around the 18th or later.
🗂 Where to Check Payment Dates
You can confirm your payment date using several official and reliable resources:
1. Arbeitsagentur Official Portal
The Bundesagentur für Arbeit publishes a monthly payout calendar (Auszahlungstermine) on its website.
- Visit: arbeitsagentur.de/familie-und-kinder/auszahlungstermine
- Select the current year (e.g., 2025) to view the complete schedule.
- Match your Kindergeld number’s last digit to find the exact payout date.
2. Kindergeld.org
The website kindergeld.org provides user-friendly tables showing:
- Payment dates for each end digit.
- Notes about when funds are likely to appear in your bank account.
- Easy-to-read monthly overviews.
Visit: kindergeld.org/kindergeldauszahlung
3. Familienkasse Phone Hotline
If you prefer to speak with an official representative, call the free hotline:
- 0800 4 555533 – Payment information line (within Germany).
- 0800 4 555530 – General inquiries.
- From abroad: +49 911 12031010
Tip: Have your Kindergeld number ready before calling for faster service.
4. Mobile Apps
Some third-party apps track payout dates using the official Familienkasse calendar.
While not official, they can help you set reminders and notifications.
Search for “Kindergeld Auszahlungstermine” on Google Play or Apple App Store.
📊 Example of Payment Dates for 2025
Here’s an example of approximate dates for March 2025, based on the last digit of the Kindergeld number:
| Last Digit of Number | Payment Date |
|---|---|
| 0 | March 5 |
| 1 | March 6 |
| 2 | March 7 |
| 3 | March 10 |
| 4 | March 11 |
| 5 | March 12 |
| 6 | March 13 |
| 7 | March 14 |
| 8 | March 17 |
| 9 | March 18 |
Important: Always check the official calendar, as exact dates may shift slightly each month.
🔍 What to Do if You Cannot Find Your Date
If you cannot determine your payment date:
- Verify your Kindergeld number — this is found on your approval letter or Familienkasse correspondence.
- Check the official Arbeitsagentur website for the latest schedule.
- Call the hotline (0800 4 555533) for direct assistance.
- If you suspect a delay, confirm that your bank account details and address are up to date with the Familienkasse.
⚠️ Common Reasons for Confusion
- Holiday adjustments: Payments delayed due to national or regional holidays.
- First-time payments: Your first Kindergeld transfer may take 4–6 weeks after approval.
- Incorrect information: Outdated IBAN or missing documents can pause payments.
- Administrative backlog: High demand periods may cause slight delays.
💡 Quick Tips
- Save the annual payout calendar as a PDF or bookmark it for easy access.
- Mark your expected payment date each month to track household budgeting.
- Sign up for email notifications if available through the Familienkasse online portal.
- Double-check your personal details whenever you move or change bank accounts.
❓ FAQ – Checking Kindergeld Payment Dates
Where can I find the official Kindergeld payment schedule?
On the Bundesagentur für Arbeit website under “Auszahlungstermine.”
Why do payment dates vary between families?
They are determined by the last digit of the Kindergeld number.
What if my payment date falls on a weekend or holiday?
The transfer will occur on the next business day.
Can I get my payment date information over the phone?
Yes, call 0800 4 555533 within Germany for direct assistance.
How often is the calendar updated?
A new payout calendar is released every year, typically at the end of the previous year.