Kinderzuschlag: up to €297 per child per month
You work, you get Kindergeld (child benefit), and money is still tight every month? Then you may be entitled to the Kinderzuschlag (child supplement). It comes on top of Kindergeld and is worked out for each child separately.
You may be entitled if
- you receive Kindergeld for the child,
- on average over the last 6 months you earn at least €900 gross a month as a couple, or €600 as a single parent,
- the child is under 25, not married and lives with you,
- you do not have significant savings or assets.
There is no fixed upper income limit. You usually cannot get it at the same time as Grundsicherungsgeld (formerly Bürgergeld).
What else it unlocks
- Bildung und Teilhabe (education and participation): €195 per school year for school supplies, €15 a month for a sports club or music school, plus lunch at Kita and school, trips and class outings. You apply for this at your town or city.
- No Kita fees: apply at the Jugendamt (youth welfare office).
How it works
- Use the Familienkasse's KiZ-Lotse to check in a few minutes whether it fits.
- Apply online with the Familienkasse.
- Apply again after 6 months. If nothing has changed, a short form is enough.
Important: it is paid from the month you apply, not for earlier months. Waiting costs you money.
Open the official KiZ-Lotse (in German)
This is not legal or tax advice. The Familienkasse decides whether you get it and how much.
Sources: Sozialplattform (MAGS NRW und BMAS): Kinderzuschlag · Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Familienkasse: Kinderzuschlag · Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales: Leistungen des Bildungspakets. Last checked: 23.10.2026.
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