Entitlement to Child Benefit During Educational Training (Ausbildung)
There is an entitlement to child benefit if the trainee is completing a school-based Vocational Training (Ausbildung). This type of training includes full-time programs at vocational schools or technical schools that lead to a recognized qualification. The entitlement applies regardless of whether the trainee receives a training compensation (Ausbildungsvergütung) and lasts until the completion of the 25th year of age.
Requirements for the Entitlement
The following requirements must be met for entitlement to child benefit during a school-based training (Ausbildung):
- The trainee must not have completed the 25th year of age.
- The school-based training must take place at an accredited educational institution.
- It must be the first vocational training (Ausbildung). In the case of a second training, the trainee may work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Recognized Training Institutions
The entitlement to child benefit exists only if the school-based training (Ausbildung) is completed at a state-recognized training institution. These include:
- Vocational schools
- Technical schools
- Vocational colleges
- Health and nursing schools
Proofs for the Entitlement
To apply for and maintain the child benefit entitlement during a school-based training (Ausbildung), regular proofs must be submitted to the family benefits office. Required documents include:
- A school certificate from the training institution
- If applicable, a copy of the enrollment certificate
- Proof of the duration of the school-based training (Ausbildung)
Child Benefit During Interruption of School-Based Training (Ausbildung)
A temporary interruption of the school-based training (Ausbildung), for example due to illness, usually does not lead to the loss of the child benefit entitlement, provided that the trainee continues to be regarded as being in training. However, it is necessary to inform the family benefits office about the interruption and submit appropriate proofs.
Direct Payment to the Trainee
If the trainee no longer lives in the parental household during the school-based training (Ausbildung), a direct payment of the child benefit to him may be made upon request. It must be proven that the trainee is managing his own household and is no longer receiving financial support from the parents.
Important Notes on Child Benefit During School-Based Training (Ausbildung)
Child benefit provides important financial support during the school-based training (Ausbildung), especially when no training compensation (Ausbildungsvergütung) is paid. Parents or trainees should ensure that the family benefits office regularly receives proofs of the training (Ausbildung). Changes such as dropping out of school or a longer interruption of training (Ausbildung) must be reported immediately to avoid jeopardizing the entitlement to child benefit.