Kindergeld 2026: €259 per Child — Amounts, Payment Dates & How to Apply

From 1 January 2026, Kindergeld (child benefit) rose again: parents now receive €259 per child per month — €4 more than in 2025. The amount is the same for every child, whether it is your first or your fourth. This guide covers the current amounts, the payment dates based on your Kindergeldnummer, and how to apply.

How much Kindergeld is there in 2026?

Since January 2026 the Familienkasse pays €259 per month for each child. The old staggering by number of children (in place until 2022) is gone for good — today every child receives the same amount.

For a family with two children that means €518 per month, or €6,216 a year. Kindergeld is generally paid until the child turns 18, and up to age 25 if they are in education or training.

2026 payment dates by Kindergeldnummer

The Familienkasse pays Kindergeld in staggered batches — the exact day depends on the last digit of your Kindergeldnummer (format xxxFKxxxxx). Low final digits are paid at the start of the month, high ones at the end.

The exact dates are published a year in advance by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. Your Kindergeldnummer is on every notice from the Familienkasse.

Who is entitled to Kindergeld?

• Parents resident in Germany — for biological, adopted, step, and foster children, and grandchildren in their household.
• For all children up to age 18 with no further conditions.
• For children aged 18 to 25 if they are in education, study, a voluntary service, or waiting for a training place.
• For children without a training place up to age 21 if registered as jobseeking.

Kindergeld or the child tax allowance — which is better?

Alongside Kindergeld there is the Kinderfreibetrag (child tax allowance). You cannot use both in full: with your tax return the Finanzamt automatically runs the Günstigerprüfung (most-favourable check) and applies whichever is better for you.

The 2026 Kinderfreibetrag is €6,828 per child (both parents combined), plus €2,928 for care and education (BEA) — €9,756 per child in total. As a rule of thumb the allowance only wins at higher taxable incomes (roughly from €70,000 for couples). Below that, the Kindergeld you receive is better. See what tax applies at your salary in our gross-to-net comparison.

How do I apply?

Kindergeld is only paid on application — it is not automatic. Here is how:

1. Apply online via the Familienkasse portal (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) or download the form.
2. Provide the tax ID (Steuer-Identifikationsnummer) for you and your child — payment is impossible without it.
3. For children over 18, add proof of education or study.

Important: Kindergeld is backdated for at most 6 months, so apply as soon as possible after the birth.

Frequently asked questions

How much Kindergeld do I get in 2026?

Since January 2026 it is €259 per child per month, the same for every child — €4 more than in 2025.

When is Kindergeld paid in 2026?

The payment date depends on the last digit of your Kindergeldnummer: digits 0 and 1 are paid at the start of the month, 7 to 9 at the end. Exact dates are published each year by the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.

Until what age do I receive Kindergeld?

Generally until the child turns 18, and up to age 25 if they are in education, study or a voluntary service.

Kindergeld or Kinderfreibetrag — do I have to choose?

No. With your tax return the Finanzamt automatically checks which is better for you and credits the Kindergeld already paid.