Importance of Allowances for Additional Children
When calculating Bafög, the income of the parents is only partially considered to ensure that they have sufficient financial means to support other dependent children. The allowance for additional children is intended to reduce the financial burden on parents and ensure that all children are provided for. It is granted regardless of the number of children and increases accordingly with multiple dependent children.
Amount of the Allowance
The allowance for each additional dependent child currently amounts to 605 euros per month. This amount is granted in addition to the basic allowances for the parents. Dependent children typically include siblings of the applicant who are still in vocational training (Ausbildung) or otherwise financially reliant on the parents.
Definition of Dependent Children
Children who are in vocational training (Ausbildung) and do not earn a steady income of their own are considered dependent. This includes:
- Siblings of the applicant who are attending school.
- Siblings who are completing vocational training and earn little or no income.
- Siblings who are enrolling in higher education and are not receiving Bafög themselves.
- Siblings under 18 years of age, regardless of whether they are in vocational training (Ausbildung).
Income Consideration for Additional Children
The allowance for additional children is deducted when calculating the parents’ assessable income. Only the income that exceeds the sum of the basic allowances and the allowances for additional children is considered for Bafög calculations. This reduces the amount counted towards the applicant’s funding, potentially leading to a higher Bafög benefit.
Proof of Dependency
Parents must provide appropriate proof for each dependent child in order to claim the allowance. This includes:
- School certificates or vocational training (Ausbildung) completion proofs for siblings.
- Enrollment certificates for studying siblings.
- Proof of low income for siblings who are in vocational training (Ausbildung) and earning their own income.
- Birth certificates to confirm the age of the dependent children.
Special Regulations for Single Parents
For single parents raising multiple children, the same allowances apply. The allowance of 605 euros is also granted per dependent child in addition to the parent’s basic allowance. This ensures that the single parent is financially relieved and has sufficient resources to support all children.
Impact of Allowances on Funding
The allowances for additional children reduce the parents’ assessable income, thus increasing the Bafög need of the applicant. The more dependent children there are, the lower the assessable income becomes. This can lead to the applicant receiving a higher Bafög benefit, especially when parents have multiple children in vocational training (Ausbildung) simultaneously.
Particulars for Foster Children
Foster children can also be recognized as dependent children under certain conditions. Requirement is that the foster parents cover the costs for the foster child’s support, and that the child lives permanently in their household. The allowance of 605 euros is granted in such cases also, provided the obligation of support is proved.