Overview

• The monthly child benefit stands at €255 per child since January 2025 and is paid regardless of parental income.
• Entitlement can continue from ages 18 to 25 when the young adult attends school, trains for a recognized trade, studies at university, or is registered as seeking work, with a separate rule covering under‑21 jobseekers.
• Payments may persist during parts of voluntary military service or the Bundesfreiwilligendienst, and during structured au‑pair stays with at least ten hours of weekly language classes or recognized peace‑promoting services; marriage does not end eligibility.
• For disabilities that began before age 25, benefits can extend beyond 25 if the person cannot support themselves and an eligible claimant exists; in defined cases payments can be directed to the adult child or to those actually providing support.
• Families receive a welcome letter with a QR code for largely prefilled online applications, full digital submission via BundID is supported, email applications are no longer accepted, payout dates follow the benefit number’s end digit, and changes must be reported promptly with only six months of retroactive payment available.