Wegweiser Parents & Families · Rights and benefits for your child Deutsch

🧾 Child supplement for low incomes

Up to €297 per child and month on top of child benefit, if your income only just covers your needs.

child supplement KiZ low income Familienkasse minimum income housing benefit

In brief

The child supplement (Kinderzuschlag) is extra money for families on a low income. It is paid on top of child benefit.

It is at most €297 per child per month. You need a minimum income: €900 as a couple, €600 as a single parent.

You apply to the Familienkasse. It is granted for six months. After that you submit a new application.

Step by step

  1. Pre-checkUse the Bundesagentur's KiZ-Lotse (online check) to see whether you might be entitled.
  2. ApplySubmit the application to the Familienkasse; online is possible.
  3. Prove your housing costsYour housing costs are included in the calculation.
  4. Reapply after six monthsThe approval period ends after six months.

Deadlines

up to €297
Maximum amount per child and monthBundesagentur für Arbeit, Kinderzuschlag 2026
€900 / €600
Minimum income couples / single parents§ 6a BKGG
6 months
Approval period§ 6a BKGG
Watch out – common mistakes
  • A condition is that you receive child benefit for the child.
  • Anyone in need of assistance under SGB II generally has no entitlement; exceptions are set out in § 6a Abs. 1a BKGG.
  • The exact amount depends on income and housing costs; the maximum is not always reached.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Requirements

Under § 6a BKGG, people can receive child supplement for unmarried children under 25 if they receive child benefit or equivalent benefits, have a minimum income of €900 (single parents €600) and are not in need of assistance under SGB II. The minimum income is calculated without housing benefit, child benefit and child supplement.

Amount and duration

For 2026 the Bundesagentur states a maximum of €297 per child and month. Under § 6a BKGG the total child supplement is decided for six months at a time; changes during that period are in principle disregarded, except where the composition of the household changes.

Who is responsible
  • Familienkasse of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit
  • Wohngeldstelle (housing benefit office; for how it interacts with housing benefit)
Further reading
Applying for child benefitEducation and participation (education package)

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Child supplement for low incomes“?
Up to €297 per child and month on top of child benefit, if your income only just covers your needs.
Which deadlines and figures matter?
  • up to €297: Maximum amount per child and month (Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Kinderzuschlag 2026)
  • €900 / €600: Minimum income couples / single parents (§ 6a BKGG)
  • 6 months: Approval period (§ 6a BKGG)
What should I do first?
  • Pre-check: Use the Bundesagentur's KiZ-Lotse (online check) to see whether you might be entitled.
  • Apply: Submit the application to the Familienkasse; online is possible.
  • Prove your housing costs: Your housing costs are included in the calculation.
What do I need to watch out for?
  • A condition is that you receive child benefit for the child.
  • Anyone in need of assistance under SGB II generally has no entitlement; exceptions are set out in § 6a Abs. 1a BKGG.
  • The exact amount depends on income and housing costs; the maximum is not always reached.
Evidence
  • Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Kinderzuschlag: Anspruch, Höhe, Dauer, retrieved 20 September 2026
  • Gesetze im Internet, § 6a BKGG, retrieved 20 September 2026
  • Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Kinderzuschlag verstehen, retrieved 20 September 2026
As of

September 2026 · Sources and method

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