Child Supplement Check

The Kinderzuschlag (KiZ, child supplement) is one of the least known family benefits in Germany. It is meant for parents who work and earn money but for whom it is not quite enough with children. Many families who would be entitled never apply, often because they do not know it exists or think the rules are too complicated. It really is complicated. That is exactly why we translated it into a check that needs no jargon.

The basic idea is in § 6a of the Federal Child Benefit Act (BKGG). In 2026 there is at most 297 euros per child and month, which already includes the immediate supplement of 25 euros. To get started at all you need a minimum income: 900 euros gross a month as a couple, 600 euros as a single parent. Child benefit and housing benefit do not count. Anyone below that usually ends up with basic income support (Grundsicherungsgeld) from the Jobcenter.

Then the maximum amount is reduced. The child's own money, such as maintenance, advance maintenance or an orphan's pension, counts at 45 percent. For you as parents the Familienkasse looks at what you earn after the work allowances and compares it with your own need: standard need, extra needs (for example for single parents or during pregnancy) and your share of the rent including heating. This share comes from a fixed table that the law ties to the government's 12th subsistence minimum report. Every euro of wages above your need lowers the child supplement by 45 cents.

One point where many fail: together with the child supplement and housing benefit, your money must be enough for the whole family without the Jobcenter. If you are still at most 100 euros short and have earned income, there is the so-called extended access. Then you may take the child supplement even though basic income support would be slightly more on paper. The check shows both paths side by side so you can choose yourself, and points to our basic income support checker for the detailed calculation.

The child supplement brings more than money. Anyone who gets it or housing benefit is entitled to the education and participation package for their children: 195 euros a year for school supplies (130 euros in August, 65 euros in February), free lunch at daycare and school, trips and class trips, the ticket to school, tutoring when needed and 15 euros a month for a sports club or music school. In addition, under § 90(4) SGB VIII no daycare fee has to be paid on application. The check lists all of this for every child.

What the check honestly cannot do: reproduce every special rule. Self-employment, children in training with their own wage, extra needs for disability or the Jobcenter's rent limits are simplified or left out. The result is therefore always an estimate, not a notice and not advice. Only the Familienkasse decides bindingly. For a second opinion there is the official KiZ-Lotse, and you apply online at the Familienkasse. Everything you enter here stays in your browser.