Children’s allowance is a benefit for families with income to prevent students being depend on "Hartz IV".
Under which conditions to students with children receive the children’s allowance?
Parents are entitled for children’s allowance (Kinderzuschlag) when they live in a household with their unmarried children younger than 25 years of age and when they dispose of enough income and wealth to reach minimum income for living for themselves, but not for these unmarried children younger than 25 years of age+.
Since 01 October 2008, changes in the regulations pertaining to the children’s allowance were made which ameliorate the situation of families with low incomes, i.e. the required minimum income level was lowered.
For couples, this minimum income level was set at an income (gross income from employment, unemployment benefits [Alg I], sickness benefits, etc.) of 900 Euros. For single parents, this level was set at 600 Euros. At the same time, the allowance quota of the employment income of the parents was reduced from 70% to 50%.
Parents can claim children’s allowance only when their monthly income, monetary and equivalent (gross income from employment, unemployment benefits (Alg I), sickness benefits, etc.), reaches the respective minimum income level (without accommodations allowance [Wohngeld] and child benefits [Kindergeld]). Furthermore, this income and wealth may not exceed the maximum income level. The individual maximum income level is calculated from the parental needs, a percentage of the adequate cost of living, and the possible children’s allowance in total (Gesamtkinderzuschlag).
The children’s allowance is to be granted preferentially before Alg II. Together with child’s benefits and the family’s accommodations allowance, the children’s allowance should prevent parents from having to take Alg II or social benefits (Sozialgeld) “due to their children.” However, for single parents, the children’s allowance can lead to lower benefits than with Alg II. Before an application for Alg II/social benefits is submitted, it should be checked whether a family no longer would receive Alg II due to the children’s allowance.
Together with the other income and wealth of the family, the determined amount of children’s allowance must suffice for the needs of the whole family, so that no claim exists to Alg II/social benefits. For persons who have increased needs due to pregnancy, single parenthood, disability, or cost-intensive nourishment, these can be disregarded by the calculation of need for help.
For persons with low incomes, with children’s allowance the family can avoid applying for Alg II due to need for help. Parent’s income, child benefits (Kindergeld), and children’s allowance (Kinderzuschlag) suffice for the total needs for the family. Parents with children who receive Alg II, social benefits, or social welfare (Sozialhilfe) only and do not have any further income or wealth, then next to child benefits, no children’s allowance may be granted.
Which children can receive children’s allowance?
Children’s allowance is only granted for unmarried children younger than 25 years of age. For married children or children who have ended their 25th year of age, no claim can be made, even when the children receive child benefits (Kindergeld).
Where should one apply for children’s allowance?
Children’s allowance can only be applied for from the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse) of the Federal Employment Office (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). This also applies to employees in civil service.
How much is children’s allowance?
The amount of children’s allowance is calculated according to the income and wealth of the parents and children at a maximum sum of 140 Euros per month per unmarried child younger than 25 years of age.
How long is children’s allowance paid?
Provided that the requirements are met, children’s allowance in total (Gesamtkinderzuschlag) is paid until a child has ended its 25th year of age.
Who receives children’s allowance?
For a particular child, only one person can receive children’s allowance. As a rule, the children’s allowance (Kinderzuschlag) will be paid to the parent who applied for child benefits (Kindergeld). The children’s allowance is paid together with child benefits.
Information Bulletin Kinderzuschlag 2009, Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse)
