Children's money in plain language

Children's money is money from the state.

The money is for families with children.

The families receive money every month.

The money is there for this purpose:

• to ensure that the children are well off,
• the parents have enough money for the children,
• and the parents can take good care of the child
• for example: for food, clothes or school supplies.

• Who receives child benefit?
• How much child benefit do you receive?
• How long do you receive child benefit?
• Where do you submit your application?
• What do you need for the application?
• Where can you get help?

All families receive child benefit.
The parents receive the child benefit from the moment the child is born.

If the parents live together:
The mother or father receives the child benefit.

If the parents are separated:
Only one person receives the child benefit.
The child allowance is paid to the person
with whom the child lives.

For example:
The child lives with the mother.
The mother then receives the child allowance.

The child can receive the child benefit itself:

• if the child lives alone
• and if the parents do not pay any money for the child.

They receive the child benefit until the child's 18th birthday.

Sometimes the parents also receive the child benefit until the child's 25th birthday.

For example:

• if the child is doing an apprenticeship.
• or if the child is studying.
• or if the child is doing voluntary service.
• or if the child is unemployed.

Sometimes parents receive child benefit for as long as the child lives.

However, this is only possible:

• if the child has a disability.
• if the child acquired the disability before the age of 25.
• and if the child cannot work themselves.
• or if they work in a workshop for people with disabilities, for example.

Child money is available for every child.
You get 255 euros a month for each child.
No matter how many children you have:
each child gets the same amount.

For example:

• 1 child = 255 euros per month
• 2 children = 510 euros per month
• 3 children = 765 euros per month

The money comes once a month.
You get the money transferred to your account.

Parents must apply for the child benefit.
Without an application there is no money.
The application goes to the family fund.
The Family Fund is part of the Employment Agency.

You can find all the forms on the family portal.
The website is:
https://www.familienportal.nrw/de/kindergeld

You can complete the application online.
The application is not in plain language.

Or you can send the application by post.
The form is also available to print out.

Important:

You can submit the application from the birth of the child.
The child benefit is retroactive.
But for a maximum of 6 months.

You will need some information for the application:

• Your tax identification number
• Your child's tax identification number
• Your child's birth certificate
• Your bank details

Do you have questions about child benefit?
The family fund takes care of the child benefit.

Which Family Fund is responsible for you?
And how can you contact the Family Fund?
You can find out with the Service Center Finder.
The website is:
https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/ueber-uns/ansprechpartner

Do you work in the public sector?
Then ask at your place of employment.
Or ask your compensation office.