Child benefits are good but can be improved in Germany. There are ongoing debates about reforms. Children registered in Germany have the right to monthly payments (Kindergeld) from the state providing that they are not already receiving similar benefits from another country. That's regardless of nationality and income. Payments vary slightly depending on how many children one already have (see picture above). Payments normally stop when the child reaches 18 yo unless when s/he is unemployed (up to 21 yo) or when s/he is still in education/training (up to 25 yo). Disabled children receive payments for life. The parents must apply within 3 months after child birth to not lose any payments. The application can be easily prepared online (check out the links below). If the income is not sufficient for the whole family, parents can receive a child supplement of 185€ per child (Kinderzuschlag) in addition to Kindergeld. However, the application for the child supplement must be submitted separately to the family insurance fund (Familienkasse). As a rule, you will receive a child supplement for 6 months. If the period of approval has expired, you must apply for a new child supplement. There are some conditions to be eligible to such benefit:
The application can be easily prepared online (check out the links below). To provide relief to families & stimulate the economy after the Corona crisis, there is a one-time payment (kinderbonus) of 300€ per child to be paid with kindergeld in Sep & Oct 2020. You would automatically get it if your child to receive Kindergeld in Sep 2020, no need to apply for it ;-) Baukindergeld is another benefit for family with children in Germany but unlike Kindergeld, it's not for everyone! The family income must not exceed the limits which vary depending on how many kids in the family. There is an easy check list to see if you are eligible (see links below). The limits are easy to calculate. It's 75K + 15K per child < 18 yo. The family has to either sign a contract for the new residence or get an approval for building a house by the end of 2020. (Update: deadline extended until 31.03.2021, learn more here). Within 6 months of moving into the new place, an application for the baukindergeld must be submitted. The application must be submitted before 31.12.2023. Once approved, parents can receive 1,200€ per child per year over 10 years. Keep in mind that the funds are limited and can be gone even before the deadline, so you better act fast! Check out the video below for more tips ;-) Here are useful links that are referred to in the video below: CategoriesAll Family Finance Health SELF DEVELOPMENT SHOPPING Archives January 2021 Related articlesComments are closed.
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