Child Benefits (Kindergeld) Rise & Tax Relief Expands for 2026
German families receive a January 2026 boost: child benefits increase to €259 per child monthly (€3,108 yearly), while the child tax-free allowance rises to €9,756 per child. Automatic processing means no new application needed.
From January 2026, Germany's child benefit (Kindergeld) rises from €255 to €259 per child per month, amounting to €3,108 per year per child. Families do not need to file a new application; the increase is paid automatically.
Simultaneously, the tax-free child allowance (Kinderfreibetrag) was raised to €9,756 per child in 2026, up from €9,600 in 2025. The tax office automatically compares whether the child tax allowance or Kindergeld is more favourable for each family; the combined basic tax-free allowance rises from €12,096 to €12,348 euros, meaning a larger portion of income remains tax-free.
Payments & Timing
August 2026 payments occur between August 5 and 21, depending on the last digit of the Kindergeldnummer. For families newly arriving in Germany, Kindergeld is paid directly by the Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office) to all parents legally residing in Germany, regardless of income.
For expat parents: if you've just registered your address (Anmeldung) at the Bürgeramt, contact your local Familienkasse without delay to apply for Kindergeld. Although processing can take weeks, it is backdated to your child's birth month (or your move date if later). Keep receipts for childcare and medical costs—you may also qualify for the Kinderzuschlag (child supplement) if your household income is tight.
Sources
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