€259 per month for every child - just for living with you in Germany. That’s Kindergeld (child benefit), and Ukrainians with temporary protection have every right to claim it. But applying isn’t as simple as filling out a form and waiting. The Familienkasse requires a specific set of documents, and if something’s off with your translation or a certificate is missing - your application can sit in a queue for months. Let’s figure out how to get it right on the first try.
What Is Kindergeld and Who’s Eligible¶
Kindergeld (child benefit) is a monthly government payment for every child living in Germany. It’s not paid by the Jobcenter or Sozialamt - it comes from a separate agency called the Familienkasse (family benefits office), which is part of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.
You’re eligible for Kindergeld if you meet the basic conditions:
- You live and are registered in Germany (have an Anmeldung)
- Your child lives with you in your household
- Your child is under 18 (or up to 25 if they’re studying or in vocational training - Ausbildung)
What About §24 Holders?¶
This is the key question for Ukrainians - and the answer is straightforward: yes, with §24 AufenthG you have full right to Kindergeld. Since June 2022, the employment requirement for §24 holders has been dropped. Even if you’re not working - you’re entitled to Kindergeld.
Residence permits under §24 have been automatically extended until March 4, 2027. You don’t need to visit the Ausländerbehörde for renewal - it happens automatically.
What if you only have a Fiktionsbescheinigung (temporary confirmation that you’ve applied for §24)? The Familienkasse may accept it if it references §24 AufenthG and includes a work permit. But in practice, it’s better to wait for the actual residence permit - applications with a Fiktionsbescheinigung sometimes get delayed or rejected.
How Much You’ll Get in 2026¶
Since January 2026, Kindergeld is €259 per month per child. The amount is the same whether it’s your first, second, or fifth child.
| Number of children | Kindergeld per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 child | €259 | €3,108 |
| 2 children | €518 | €6,216 |
| 3 children | €777 | €9,324 |
For context: it was €250 in 2024, €255 in 2025. The amount goes up automatically each year - you don’t need to do anything.
Kinderzuschlag - Extra Money for Low-Income Families¶
Here’s something most people don’t know: on top of Kindergeld, there’s also Kinderzuschlag (child benefit supplement) - up to €297 per month per child on top. Combined with Kindergeld, that’s up to €556 per child.
Who can get Kinderzuschlag:
- You work and earn at least €900 gross (couples) or €600 (single parents)
- Your income isn’t enough to fully cover your child’s needs
- You’re NOT receiving Bürgergeld
You apply for Kinderzuschlag at the same Familienkasse. If you’re working a Minijob or part-time - definitely check if you qualify. More about document translation costs for all these procedures.
Kindergeld and Bürgergeld: How They Interact¶
If you’re receiving Bürgergeld from the Jobcenter - Kindergeld counts as the child’s income and reduces your Bürgergeld. So the total amount in your pocket doesn’t change.
Sounds pointless to apply? No, here’s why:
Kindergeld is a “vorrangige Leistung” (priority benefit). The Jobcenter expects you to apply for Kindergeld. If you don’t - the Jobcenter can reduce your Bürgergeld as if you were already receiving it. Result: less money for no reason.
Apply for Kindergeld no matter what, even if you’re on Bürgergeld. It’s mandatory. If the Jobcenter covers your translation costs - read our guide on Kostenübernahme from Jobcenter.
What Documents the Familienkasse Needs¶
Here’s the full list of what you need to put together for a Kindergeld application:
Main Forms¶
- Antrag auf Kindergeld (KG1) - the main application. Available in Ukrainian on the Bundesagentur für Arbeit website
- Anlage Kind - a separate supplement for each child
Documents From You (the Parent)¶
- Copy of §24 Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit) - both sides
- Steuer-ID (tax identification number) - the one that arrives by mail after you register in Germany. If you lost it - you can request it again from Bundeszentralamt für Steuern
- Anmeldebescheinigung (proof of address registration)
Documents for the Child¶
- Child’s birth certificate - if the child was born in Germany, submit the German Geburtsurkunde. If born in Ukraine - you need the original plus a certified translation
- Child’s Steuer-ID - yes, children get a Steuer-ID too, it’s sent by mail after registering the child at their address
- Copy of the child’s §24 - the child must also have their own residence permit
Additional (If Applicable)¶
- Bescheid from Jobcenter - if you’re receiving Bürgergeld
- Marriage certificate - if the Familienkasse requests proof of marital status
- Confirmation that the other parent isn’t receiving Kindergeld - if the father/mother lives in another country
Which Documents Need Translation¶
Here’s the key: the Familienkasse won’t accept Ukrainian documents without a translation. But not everything needs translating.
Must Be Translated¶
- Ukrainian birth certificate - this is the most important document. You need a certified translation (beglaubigte Übersetzung) from a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer). Without it, the Familienkasse won’t process your application. More about birth certificate translation
- Marriage certificate - if you’re applying as a couple and the Familienkasse requires proof. More in our guide
Does NOT Need Translation¶
- German Geburtsurkunde (if child was born in Germany)
- §24 Aufenthaltserlaubnis - already in German
- Steuer-ID - it’s just a number
- Bescheid from Jobcenter
- Anmeldebescheinigung
More on which documents don’t need translation for Germany.
Who Can Do the Translation¶
Only an öffentlich bestellte und vereidigte Übersetzer (officially appointed and sworn translator). Their translation has legal force - with a stamp, signature, and certification clause. You can find one on justiz-dolmetscher.de.
More about the difference between notarized, sworn, and certified translation.
How Much Does Translation Cost¶
| Document | Price (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate | €35-60 |
| Marriage certificate | €40-65 |
Turnaround time: usually 2-3 business days. A quality scan or photo of the document is enough to place an order.
On ChatsControl you can order a certified translation of Ukrainian documents online - no trips to an office, no queues.
Step-by-Step: From Application to Money¶
Step 1: Gather Your Documents¶
Before you start filling anything out - collect everything you need:
- Check if you and your child have a Steuer-ID (if not - request one from Finanzamt or at www.bzst.de)
- Order a birth certificate translation if it’s Ukrainian
- Make copies of your §24 (yours and your child’s)
Step 2: Fill Out the Application¶
The KG1 form (Kindergeld application) and Anlage Kind can be downloaded from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit website. There are versions in Ukrainian.
There are also instructional videos in Ukrainian on the page for refugees from Ukraine - really helpful if you’re filling it out for the first time.
What to watch out for:
- Fill in using Latin letters (as in your residence permit)
- Enter your IBAN - must be a German bank account
- Signature is mandatory
- Fill out a separate Anlage Kind for EACH child
Step 3: Submit to the Familienkasse¶
You can submit:
- By mail - registered letter (Einschreiben) so you have proof of delivery
- Online - some federal states support digital submission
- In person - book an appointment at your nearest Familienkasse
Find your Familienkasse by postal code on the Bundesagentur für Arbeit website.
Send ALL documents at once. If something’s missing - they put your case aside, send a letter requesting the missing piece, you wait for it to arrive… and weeks go by.
Step 4: Wait and Respond Quickly¶
Standard processing time: 4-6 weeks. In practice for Ukrainian applications it can take longer - 8-12 weeks, sometimes even more.
On the Handbook Germany forum, one user shared that they submitted documents in October 2023, resubmitted papers multiple times, and only received a response a year later. That’s an extreme case, but it shows: the more complete your document package from the start, the faster things move.
If the Familienkasse asks for additional documents - respond within a few days, don’t sit on it.
The Deadline: Don’t Miss the 6-Month Window¶
Here’s a critically important detail: Kindergeld is paid retroactively for a maximum of 6 months before your application date.
Example: you arrived in Germany in January 2026, got your §24, registered at your address. But you didn’t apply for Kindergeld until September 2026. The Familienkasse will only pay you from March 2026 (6 months back). January and February are gone. That’s €518 (for two children) you’ll simply never receive.
Apply as soon as possible after getting your §24 and Steuer-ID.
5 Common Mistakes When Applying for Kindergeld¶
1. No Steuer-ID¶
Steuer-ID is mandatory. Without it, they won’t even start processing your application. After your Anmeldung, the Steuer-ID arrives by mail within 2-4 weeks. If it hasn’t arrived - ask your local Finanzamt or check www.bzst.de.
2. Translation Not From a Sworn Translator¶
A translation from a friend, Google Translate, or even a professional translator without sworn status - the Familienkasse won’t accept it. You need a beglaubigte Übersetzung from a vereidigter Übersetzer with stamp and signature.
3. Forgot Anlage Kind¶
Filled out the main KG1 application but didn’t attach the Anlage Kind - and they send everything back. You need a separate Anlage Kind for each child.
4. Wrong IBAN¶
One wrong digit in your IBAN - and the payment bounces back. Then you wait for the Familienkasse to contact you, fix it, and wait again. Triple-check your bank details before sending.
5. Delaying Your Application¶
As we’ve already covered - retroactive payments only go back 6 months. Every month you delay costs you €259 (per child) that you’ll never receive. For two children - that’s €518 per month.
Where to Get Help¶
If you’re struggling to figure this out on your own (and that’s perfectly normal - even Germans get confused by these forms), here’s where to go:
- Familienkasse Hotline: 0800 4 555 530 (free, Mon-Fri)
- Handbook Germany - information about Kindergeld
- Germany4Ukraine - official portal for Ukrainian refugees
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit - Kindergeld page for refugees from Ukraine with instructional videos in Ukrainian
- Migration counseling (Migrationsberatung) - free, they’ll help you fill out the application
If you’re already getting Elterngeld or registering your child for Kita - these processes can run in parallel with Kindergeld. And if you’re planning Einbürgerung - Kindergeld keeps coming even after you get citizenship.
FAQ¶
How Much Is Kindergeld in 2026?¶
€259 per month per child. The amount is the same regardless of how many children you have. If you’re already receiving Kindergeld - the new amount is applied automatically, no need for a new application.
Are Ukrainians With §24 Eligible for Kindergeld?¶
Yes. Since June 2022, the employment requirement for §24 AufenthG holders has been removed. Even if you’re not working - you’re entitled to Kindergeld. Residence permits have been automatically extended until March 4, 2027.
Do I Need a Certified Translation of a Ukrainian Birth Certificate for Kindergeld?¶
Yes, if the certificate was issued in Ukraine. The Familienkasse requires a beglaubigte Übersetzung from a sworn translator (vereidigter Übersetzer). Translation costs roughly €35-60, turnaround time is 2-3 business days.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Kindergeld Application?¶
Officially 4-6 weeks. In practice for Ukrainian applications it can be 8-12 weeks or longer, depending on how busy the Familienkasse is and how complete your documents are. Submit the full package right away - that’s the best way to speed things up.
Can I Receive Kindergeld and Bürgergeld at the Same Time?¶
Yes, but Kindergeld counts as the child’s income and reduces your Bürgergeld amount. The total in your pocket stays the same. But you still must apply for Kindergeld - it’s a priority benefit (vorrangige Leistung), and the Jobcenter expects you to claim it.
What Is Kinderzuschlag and Are Ukrainians Eligible?¶
Kinderzuschlag is an additional benefit of up to €297 per month per child for working families with low income. Combined with Kindergeld - up to €556 per child. Requirements: minimum income of €900 gross (couples) or €600 (single parents), and you must NOT be receiving Bürgergeld. Apply at the same Familienkasse.
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