# How to Apply for Kindergeld in Germany Before You Lose Months of Money

> Kindergeld is 259 euros per child per month, but it is paid back only six months. Apply online at the Familienkasse as soon as you have your child's tax ID.

- URL: https://hsalem.com/apply-kindergeld-germany/
- Author: Hassan Salem (https://hsalem.com/about/)
- Published: 2026-11-07
- Topics: Expat, Finance, Germany

Many expat parents wait with Kindergeld (child benefit) because the paperwork looks scary, or because they think it depends on income. It does not, and waiting costs real money: the Familienkasse (family benefits office) pays only six months back.

## The rule in short

1. Kindergeld is **259 euros per child per month** in 2026. Your salary does not matter.
2. Only **one person** gets it for a child, usually one parent. Decide together who applies.
3. It is paid back only for the **six months before the month your application arrives**. If it arrives in November 2026, you get money from May 2026. Anything older is lost.
4. You apply at the Familienkasse of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, not at the Finanzamt.

## Who can get it as a foreigner

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can get it. If you moved here after August 2019, then from the fourth month after arrival you must meet the free movement rules, for example by working here.

Non-EU citizens usually need a valid Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit) or Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit) that allows you to work in Germany. Some nationalities have special rules, and recognised refugees can also get it. The Familienkasse checks every case, so if you are not sure, apply anyway.

## What you need

1. Your Steuer-ID (tax ID).
2. Your child's Steuer-ID. For babies born in Germany, the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern sends it by post after the birth is registered.
3. Your IBAN.
4. In some cases more papers: a copy of the birth certificate, and if a parent works or lives in another country, an employer certificate and extra forms.

## The steps

1. **Wait for the letters after birth, but not too long.** A few days after the child's tax ID, the Familienkasse usually sends a welcome letter with a personal Zugangscode (access code). With it, the online form is faster.
2. **No letter? Apply without the code.** On the Familienkasse website, choose the online application without access code. You need both tax IDs and your bank details.
3. **Send it with BundID if you can.** With a BundID account you submit the form online with no signature. Without it, print the form, sign it and send it by post. A form without your signature is not valid.
4. **Paper route.** The forms are the main application KG1 and the Anlage Kind (child annex). If a parent works or lives abroad, add the Anlage Ausland.
5. **Watch your post.** The Familienkasse may ask for more documents. Answer quickly so your case does not stay open.
6. **No answer after six weeks?** Then you can call the Familienkasse and ask about the status.

## Common mistakes

1. **Waiting for the "perfect" set of documents.** The six months count back from the month your application arrives, so every month of waiting can cost you 259 euros.
2. **Not agreeing who applies.** Only one person can receive it, so talk about it before you send anything.
3. **Forgetting the change at 18.** For adult children, for example in training or study, Kindergeld can continue, but it needs its own proof and the same six month limit applies.

Checked in November 2026. Rules change, so please check the official Familienkasse page before you apply. This is not legal or tax advice.

## Sources

1. [Familienkasse: Kindergeld amount, entitlement and six month rule (German, official)](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/familie-und-kinder/infos-rund-um-kindergeld/kindergeld-anspruch-hoehe-dauer)
2. [Familienkasse: start the Kindergeld application online (German, official)](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/familie-und-kinder/infos-rund-um-kindergeld/kindergeld-anspruch-hoehe-dauer/kindergeld-antrag-starten)
3. [Familienkasse: Kindergeld for foreigners and cross-border cases (German, official)](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/familie-und-kinder/infos-rund-um-kindergeld/kindergeld-ausland)
4. [VLH: Kindergeld 2026, 259 euros and six months back (German)](https://www.vlh.de/familie-leben/kinder/kindergeld-antworten-auf-die-haeufigsten-fragen.html)
5. [Lohnsteuer kompakt: how far back you can claim Kindergeld (German)](https://www.lohnsteuer-kompakt.de/de/fag/2025/249/wie_lange_hast_du_rueckwirkend_anspruch_auf_kindergeld)