Child benefits, supplements, and tax exemptions: What will change for families in Germany in 2026?
German families can expect a financial increase starting January 1, 2026, as child benefits will rise from 255 euros to 259 euros per month for each child, providing parents with additional money automatically without the need to submit additional applications.
Low-income families will also benefit from the increase in child allowance, which will rise from 20 euros to 25 euros per month. The total annual benefit per child is now 3,108 euros, giving parents an additional 48 euros per child compared to 2025.
Child benefit payments are distributed according to the last digit of the benefit number, with payments being made gradually throughout the month. The Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit - BA) provides a complete schedule, noting that payments may be delayed on weekends and public holidays.
Parents or guardians of minor children are entitled to child benefits, which are paid to only one person. The application must be submitted after the child's birth, and payments are made retroactively for up to six months. In the case of multiple children, the total amount is paid to the beneficiary.
In addition to child benefits, families will also see increases in the child tax allowance and the childcare and education/training allowance (BEA). The child tax allowance reaches €3,414 per parent (€6,828 for couples), while the BEA rises to €1,464 per parent (€2,928 for couples). The tax authority automatically determines the most beneficial option between child benefits and the tax allowance to ensure families receive the maximum financial benefit.