Kindergeld-Bescheid — your child benefit decision

What is a Kindergeld-Bescheid?

A Kindergeld-Bescheid is the official decision on Kindergeld (child benefit) — a monthly payment from the state for each eligible child. It is legally binding: it states whether Kindergeld is approved, how much you receive per child, and from which month.

Kindergeld is separate from Elterngeld (parental allowance after birth) and from Bürgergeld. Most families with children in Germany receive Kindergeld if residence and eligibility rules are met.

Who sends it — Familienkasse

Kindergeld is processed by the Familienkasse of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (family benefits office). The letterhead shows this office and your Kindergeldnummer (case number). Keep the delivery date — you have one month for a Widerspruch.

You should apply after birth or when you move to Germany with children. Payment usually starts from the month the application is received (limited backdating may apply if you apply promptly).

How much Kindergeld is paid

As of recent rules, the standard rate is €250 per month per child for all children (rates can change by law — the Bescheid shows the exact figure). Each eligible child gets a separate line. The amount is not reduced by your salary, but tax law may favour Kinderfreibetrag over Kindergeld for very high earners (see below).

Who is eligible

• Children under 18 living in Germany or in qualifying situations abroad
• Up to 25 if in school, vocational training (Ausbildung), or university and not in receipt of certain benefits themselves
• Parents or guardians with residence in Germany and liability to pay tax here in most cases
• EU/EEA citizens and many third-country nationals with proper residence status

Only one person per child receives Kindergeld — usually the parent the child lives with. If parents are separated, the parent with the child in their household typically claims.

How to read your Kindergeld Bescheid

• Kindergeldbetrag — monthly amount per named child
• Kindergeldnummer — your case reference
• Bewilligungszeitraum — months or period covered
• Zahlungstermine — payment is usually monthly in advance
• Nachzahlung — lump sum for past months if approval was delayed
• Bankverbindung — account for transfer (update if it changes)

Types of decision

• Bewilligungsbescheid — Kindergeld approved
• Änderungsbescheid — amount or children list changed (new baby, child aged out)
• Ablehnungsbescheid — denied (residence, no entitlement, child receives other benefits)
• Erstattungsbescheid / Nachforderung — repay overpaid months
• Aufhebungsbescheid — payments stop from a set date

Kindergeld vs Kinderfreibetrag (tax)

When you file taxes, the Finanzamt compares Kindergeld with the tax advantage from Kinderfreibetrag (child tax allowance). You automatically receive whichever is more favourable — you do not repay Kindergeld because of high income, but your tax assessment may reference the Freibetrag. A Steuerbescheid may show this comparison.

Kinderzuschlag — not the same letter

Kinderzuschlag is an extra monthly supplement for low-income families, also handled by the Familienkasse but as a separate application. If your Bescheid mentions Kinderzuschlag lines, read them separately from base Kindergeld. Denial of Kinderzuschlag does not automatically end Kindergeld.

Reporting changes you must notify

Tell the Familienkasse promptly if:

• Another child is born or moves into your household
• A child moves out, marries, or starts work above mini-job limits
• Education or training ends after age 18
• You move abroad or change residence status
• Bank details change
• The other parent also applied — only one entitlement per child

Late reporting can trigger Nachforderung (repayment) for months paid incorrectly.

Nachforderung and overpayments

If Kindergeld was paid too long or twice (e.g. both parents claimed, child no longer eligible), the Bescheid orders repayment. You may repay in instalments if you ask. Check the calculation — errors happen when training certificates were sent late.

Filing a Widerspruch

Send a written Widerspruch within one month of the Bescheid date. State your Kindergeldnummer, explain the error (wrong child listed, denial despite residence, incorrect end date), and attach proofs (Meldebescheinigung, birth certificate, enrolment certificate, residence permit).

What to do — step by step

Step 1: Note delivery date and decision type.

Step 2: Check each child's monthly amount and start month.

Step 3: Verify bank details and Nachzahlung if shown.

Step 4: If denied, read the stated reason and deadline.

Step 5: File Widerspruch within one month if wrong.

Step 6: Report future changes to the Familienkasse in time.

When to get help

• Denied despite registered residence and eligible child.
• Child lives abroad — EU coordination rules may apply.
• Nachforderung for months you believe were valid.
• Dispute between separated parents over who receives payment.
• Also receiving Elterngeld — amounts are separate but income reporting must stay consistent.

Key terms glossary

Still not sure what your letter wants?

• ✓ Plain English summary per child and monthly amount
• ✓ Bewilligungszeitraum and Nachzahlung highlighted
• ✓ Nachforderung or denial reason explained
• ✓ Draft Widerspruch or Familienkasse reply in German

Last updated: June 2026