Quick answer
Important distinction
Kindergeld
259 €
per eligible child, per month
Applies from 1 January 2026
The same amount is paid for every eligible child, including the first. Eligibility conditions still have to be met.
Last verified 22 August 2026 · Familienportal — Federal Ministry for Family Affairs (opens in a new tab)
What is changing?
The monthly payment shown by the official Familienportal is €259 for every eligible child. The permanent Kindergeld guide and estimator read the same central fact record as this update.
The amount does not change the underlying age, education, residence or cross-border eligibility conditions.
When does it take effect?
The current amount applies from 1 January 2026. Existing recipients normally receive rate changes through the Familienkasse payment process; a family should still report relevant changes in its circumstances.
Who is affected?
- People already receiving Kindergeld for an eligible child.
- Parents or other qualifying carers applying for the first time.
- International families, whose eligibility can depend on residence status, work, EU coordination and where the child lives.
What do you need to do?
- Check that the Familienkasse has the correct bank and contact details.
- Report changes such as a move, separation, studies ending or a child moving abroad.
- For a new claim, apply through the Familienkasse and provide the requested evidence.
- Read the permanent guide for eligibility after age 18 and international cases.
Example
Example
Two eligible children
Two eligible children correspond to €518 per month or €6,216 over 12 months. This only illustrates the verified per-child amount; the Familienkasse decides eligibility.
Example only, for illustration. Your own amount depends on your circumstances.
Official information and sources
The status and figures above were checked against the primary authorities below. Media reports are not used as the sole authority for rule changes.
Kindergeld — what you need to know
Familienportal — Federal Ministry for Family Affairs
The official FAQ: the current amount per child, the age limits, and the situations that extend payment past 18.
Visit official websiteKindergeld — what you need to know, opens in a new tabFamily and children (Familienkasse)
Federal Employment Agency
The Familienkasse handles Kindergeld. This is where applications and eligibility rules live.
Visit official websiteFamily and children (Familienkasse), opens in a new tabRelated guides
Related calculators
Frequently asked questions
The current monthly amount is €259 for each eligible child. The Familienkasse still decides whether the eligibility conditions are met.
Existing recipients normally do not reapply solely for a general rate adjustment. They must still report relevant changes and respond to Familienkasse requests.
They may qualify, but residence status, work, EU coordination, where the child lives and other facts can affect the result. Use the permanent guide and confirm the individual case with Familienkasse.
This section tracks practical rule changes, not general daily news.
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