Extension of Child Benefit Entitlement until the Age of 25
In principle, the entitlement to child benefit ends upon reaching the age of 18. Under certain conditions, however, this entitlement can be extended until the age of 25. This applies particularly when the trainee is in their first Vocational Training (Ausbildung) or a school-based training program.
Eligible Types of Training
The extension of the child benefit entitlement until the age of 25 applies only if the trainee is completing an eligible training program. These include:
- Dual Vocational Training (Ausbildung): Combination of practical work and vocational school
- School-based Vocational Training (Ausbildung): Full-time training at a vocational school
- First Higher Education: e.g., a vocationally qualifying course, provided it is not a second training
Extension through Voluntary Service
The entitlement to child benefit can be extended beyond the age of 25 if the trainee has completed a voluntary service, such as a voluntary social year (FSJ) or a voluntary ecological year (FÖJ), before their 25th birthday. In this case, the child benefit entitlement extends by the duration of the service performed.
Delay in Training due to Military or Civil Service
If the trainee has completed military or civil service before July 1, 2011, the child benefit entitlement will be extended for the duration of the service. This is also applicable if the trainee has already reached the age of 25.
Required Proof
To receive the extended child benefit entitlement, proof of the training, voluntary service, or military or civil service must be submitted to the responsible family benefits office. The required documents include:
- A training certificate from the training institution
- A certificate of the voluntary service completed
- Proof of military or civil service (if applicable)
No Extension Beyond the Age of 25
With the exception of the cases mentioned above, the entitlement to child benefit ends at the latest upon reaching the age of 25. Further extensions are not possible, even if the training is not completed by this time.
Important Notes on Extension
Parents and trainees should ensure that all required proofs are submitted in time to the family benefits office to extend the child benefit entitlement beyond the age of 18. Changes in the training path, such as a training termination or a change of training institution, must also be reported to the family benefits office.