What requirements must be met for child benefit entitlement during a waiting time?

The child benefit entitlement during a waiting time exists if the waiting time is a maximum of four months, the trainee has not yet turned 25 years old, and it is proven that a vocational training (Ausbildung) position is secured or actively sought.

What happens to the child benefit entitlement if the waiting time exceeds four months?

If the waiting time is more than four months, the entitlement to child benefit ceases. The entitlement can be reasserted once the vocational training (Ausbildung) begins.

Can the child benefit be paid directly to the trainee during the waiting time?

Yes, child benefit can be paid directly to the trainee upon request if they no longer live in the parental household and manage their own household.

Ausbildung ▶ Before ▶ Preparation ▶ Financing ▶ Self-Financing ▶ Child Benefit ▶ Requirements ▶ Training Status

Waiting Time

Entitlement during waiting time (e.g. between graduation and start of vocational training (Ausbildung)) 2025

Q: Is there entitlement to child benefit during a waiting time between graduation and the start of vocational training (Ausbildung)?

Yes, there is entitlement to child benefit during a waiting time between graduation and the start of vocational training (Ausbildung), provided that the waiting time does not exceed four months.

Q: What evidence is required for child benefit entitlement during a waiting time?

For child benefit entitlement during a waiting time, a confirmation from the training company about the start of the vocational training (Ausbildung) or registration with the employment agency as a trainee seeking a position is required.

The entitlement to child benefit exists during a waiting time between graduation and the start of vocational training (Ausbildung), provided that the waiting time does not exceed four months and a vocational training (Ausbildung) position is already secured or actively sought.

Entitlement to Child Benefit during Waiting Time

Parents are entitled to child benefit during a waiting time between graduation and the start of vocational training (Ausbildung), provided that the waiting time does not exceed four months. This regulation applies to bridge transitional phases in which the trainee either has secured a vocational training (Ausbildung) position or is actively looking for one.

Requirements for Child Benefit Entitlement during Waiting Time

To qualify for child benefit during the waiting time, the following conditions must be met:

The trainee must not have yet turned 25 years old.
The waiting time must be a maximum of four months.
The trainee must have secured a vocational training (Ausbildung) position or be actively seeking one.

Child Benefit with Waiting Time of More than Four Months

If the waiting time exceeds four months, the entitlement to child benefit ceases. In such cases, parents or the trainee can reassert the entitlement once the vocational training (Ausbildung) begins. It is important to inform the family benefits office promptly about the start of the vocational training (Ausbildung) to reactivate the child benefit entitlement.

Evidence for Entitlement during Waiting Time

For applying for child benefit during a waiting time, the following documents must be submitted to the family benefits office:

A confirmation from the future training company about the start of the vocational training (Ausbildung)
If actively searching for a vocational training (Ausbildung) position: a confirmation from the employment agency regarding registration as a trainee looking for a position

Important Notes on Child Benefit during Waiting Time

Child benefit provides important financial support during the waiting time, especially if the trainee does not yet have their own income. Parents should ensure that they provide the family benefits office with all necessary documentation in a timely manner to maintain entitlement to child benefit during this transitional phase. For waiting times longer than four months, it is advisable to explore alternative financing options early on.

in 🇩🇪 Germany