Basic Entitlement to Child Benefit until the Age of 18
Parents in Germany generally have the right to receive child benefit for each child until the age of 18. This entitlement exists regardless of whether the child is undergoing a school education, a vocational training (Ausbildung), or no education at all. This means that child benefit is paid until this age without additional conditions. The entitlement ends in the month when the child turns 18. To claim the basic entitlement, parents only need to submit an application to the responsible family benefits office when the child is born.
Amount of Child Benefit during the Basic Entitlement
As of 2025, child benefit is uniformly set at 250 € per month per child throughout Germany. The amount remains the same, regardless of the number of children. Thus, child benefit represents an important financial support for families, particularly to cover the basic expenses for the child, such as food, clothing, school expenses, and leisure activities.
Independence from Educational Status
Until the age of 18, child benefit is paid regardless of whether the child has started vocational training (Ausbildung) or not. It does not matter whether the child is still attending school, is in a transition phase between school and training, or has already started working. As long as the child has not yet reached the age of 18, child benefit is paid out without further proof required.
Special Situations during the Basic Entitlement
In certain cases, such as the child’s move or a change of residence of the parents, the entitlement to child benefit remains in place as long as at least one parent resides in Germany and is subject to taxation there. If the child moves into their own apartment during this time, the entitlement to child benefit also continues. In this case, parents can still receive the child benefit, provided they financially support the child. Upon request, child benefit can be paid directly to the child if they are no longer living in the parental household.
End of Basic Entitlement and Transition after Age 18
The basic entitlement to child benefit automatically ends in the month in which the child turns 18. After this point, the entitlement can continue under certain conditions, for example, if the child:
- is in their first vocational training (Ausbildung),
- is completing a second training program and is working less than 20 hours a week,
- is registered as seeking employment and has not found a training (Ausbildung) or job,
- or is doing a voluntary service as per the Federal Voluntary Service Act.
To maintain the child benefit entitlement after age 18, proof is required that demonstrates the educational status, job search, or participation in voluntary service. This proof must be submitted to the responsible family benefits office to ensure continued payment of the child benefit.
Important Notes on Basic Entitlement
The basic entitlement to child benefit until the age of 18 offers parents reliable financial support during the parenting phase. Payments are typically made monthly and directly to the account of the applicant, usually one of the parents. It is important for parents to inform the family benefits office about any changes, such as a change of residence or the start of vocational training (Ausbildung), promptly to avoid possible delays in the payment of child benefits. Furthermore, parents should ensure that they apply for any continued entitlement to child benefit after the age of 18 in a timely manner and provide all required documentation.