Approval of Family Allowance: Disbursement of 1000 euros per child in the nation
In Germany, families with one or more children can receive financial support to help with the costs of raising children. This support system, known as the family allowance, consists of three main components: child benefit (Kindergeld), child supplement (Kinderzuschlag), and housing benefit (Wohngeld).
To qualify for the family allowance, which can provide up to 1,000 euros per child, you must have legal residence status in Germany. The child benefit, currently around 255 euros per child, is usually granted until the child turns 18, and up to 25 years in some cases if the child is in education or training. To apply for Kindergeld, you can either apply online via the Federal Employment Agency website or fill out and submit the application form to your local Family Benefits Office. You will need your tax ID and your child’s tax ID, which you obtain during the Anmeldung (residence registration) process in Germany.
The child supplement is an additional benefit for families with low income to supplement the Kindergeld. To qualify, you must meet income criteria and prove that your child’s basic needs are not fully covered by your household income. You can apply for the child supplement through the Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office) or via the Federal Employment Agency.
Housing benefit is another form of support for families with low income, helping to cover rental costs. Eligibility depends on your household income, the number of household members, and your rent costs. You apply for Wohngeld at your local municipality office (Wohnungsamt).
To apply for the family allowance, follow these steps:
1. Register your residence in Germany (Anmeldung), which gives you and your child tax IDs. 2. Apply for Kindergeld online or via your local Family Benefits Office using your tax IDs. 3. Check your eligibility and apply for the Child Supplement (Kinderzuschlag) through the Familienkasse or Federal Employment Agency. 4. Apply for Housing Benefit (Wohngeld) at your local municipality office, submitting proof of income, rent, and family size. 5. If approved, you will receive monthly payments for Kindergeld and possibly child supplement, and periodic payments or credits for housing benefit, which together can amount to a family allowance up to 1,000 euros per child.
It's important to note that processing times for Kindergeld applications are usually up to six weeks. You must provide truthful information, and if your application is rejected, you can appeal. Keep track of your Kindergeld number, which identifies your child’s benefit record. These benefits are designed to reduce the financial burden of raising children, especially for families with lower incomes.
The child supplement eligibility criteria include receiving child benefit and the child living in the same household and being under 25 years old. To be eligible for the child supplement, a single parent must earn at least 600 euros brutto, and a couple must earn at least 900 euros brutto. The child supplement in our country is currently a maximum of 297 euros per child, and when combined with child benefit, parents can receive up to 552 euros per month for each child.
Families living at the subsistence level are common in our country, and many parents struggle to make ends meet with the current child benefit amount. Parents receiving unemployment benefits do not receive the additional family allowance, as it is fully offset against the social benefit.
In conclusion, Germany's family allowance system provides robust support for families with children, encompassing direct child benefits and support linked to income and housing needs. The child supplement is an additional financial support option for families in need.
- To supplement the financial support received from child benefit (Kindergeld), families with low personal-finance may also qualify for the child supplement (Kinderzuschlag), which is designed to support those whose household income does not fully cover their child's basic needs.
- Beyond child support and housing benefits, businesses and individuals might benefit from understanding the finances linked to a family's education expenses, such as scholarships, grants, or loans, as this could potentially impact a family's overall personal-finance situation.
