Child Benefit Increases to €259 Per Month from January
Germany raised its monthly child benefit (Kindergeld) by €4 to €259 per child, an automatic increase that does not require parents to reapply.
From January 2026, Germany's child benefit (Kindergeld) will rise from €255 to €259 per child per month, amounting to €3,108 per year per child. This increase is automatic—parents do not need to apply for it. The same flat rate applies to every child regardless of birth order or family income.
Tax allowance alternative for high earners
For 2026, the Kinderfreibetrag is €6,612 per child for married couples filing jointly, or €3,306 per parent for single or separated parents. Germany's tax office (Finanzamt) automatically compares Kindergeld against the Kinderfreibetrag during your annual tax return and applies whichever option gives you the greater benefit—you don't have to choose.
Since April 1, 2024, parents whose joint taxable annual income exceeds €175,000 in the relevant reference year receive zero Elterngeld. This is a hard cliff—even €175,001 disqualifies you fully, with no sliding scale. The cap does not affect Kindergeld, which remains universal.
For foreign families in Germany: Non-EU citizens must hold a valid settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or a residence permit that allows you to work (e.g., a Blue Card or Skilled Worker Visa). EU citizens generally qualify automatically if you live and work in Germany. The benefit must be applied for through your local Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse)—it is not granted automatically when you register your child. If you haven't yet applied and your child is registered in Germany, do so now; Kindergeld can be backdated up to six months.
