What do you need for the family fund?

The Family Benefits Office plays an important role in the administration of family benefits in Germany, particularly in the payment of child benefit. It provides financial support to cover the basic costs of living for children. Child benefit is usually paid until the age of 18, but can be extended if your child is in education, for example.

What is child benefit and who is entitled to it?

Child benefit is a state benefit for parents in Germany. It helps you to reduce the costs of caring for and bringing up your child. Child benefit is paid until at least the age of 18 and can even be extended until the age of 25 if your child is in training or studying. In principle, all parents or legal guardians residing in Germany are entitled to child benefit. Even if you earn taxable income here, you can apply for it. The prerequisite is proper registration of your place of residence in Germany.

What requirements do you need to meet?

To receive child benefit from the family benefits office, you must meet certain conditions:

• Legal employment or own business

• You must either be legally employed in Germany or run your own business in order to be integrated into the social security system.

• Registration of residence in Germany

• Your place of residence must be officially registered in Germany. A current registration certificate serves as proof that you live here.

• Income limits for additional benefits

Child benefit itself is independent of income. However, there are certain income limits for additional benefits such as child supplement. Find out about this if you want to apply for such benefits.

What documents do you need to apply?

To apply for child benefit, you need to submit a number of documents to the family benefits office:

Important forms and deadlines

The required documents include the child's birth certificate, copies of the parents' and child's tax identification numbers and a valid identification document of the applicant. It is important that all applications are submitted in writing and within the set deadlines.

Tax identification number

The tax identification number is essential for the application process, as it is used to clearly allocate applications in the social security system.

Special regulations in the federal states

Although the legal basis for child benefit is uniform throughout Germany, the application processes can differ depending on the federal state.

• Familienkasse Berlin-Brandenburg: There are special regulations for the application process here.

• Familienkasse Bochum: Bochum has its own procedures that can influence the process.

• Familienkasse Sachsen & Hannover: These regions also have special regulations that you should observe.
  

Frequently asked questions about the family benefits office and child benefit

• What is child benefit?

Child benefit is financial support for families in Germany.

• Who can claim child benefit?

Parents and legal guardians with residence and legal income in Germany.

• What documents do I need?

Your child's tax ID and proof of your income and identity.

• How long does it take to process?

The processing time is usually 4 to 8 weeks.

• Are there differences between the federal states?

Yes, there are specific requirements depending on the federal state.

A comprehensive understanding of the requirements and processes can help parents get the support they need in a timely manner.