Surcharge to Child benefit in Germany / Kinderzuschlag

The Kinderzuschlag is a surcharge to child benefit (Kindergeld) for parents with low income. From 1st of January, 2024 the maximum amount of the surcharge is €292 per child.

The Kinderzuschlag is paid by the health insurance company in one monthly payment along with the child benefit. The calculation is individual and is based on the family's income over the last 6 months.

The basic condition for the Kinderzuschlag is the receipt of a Kindergeld. Other conditions for claiming the surcharge:

• the gross monthly income of the family reaches the minimum income baseline:
  • €900 for both parents,
  • €600 of a single parent,
• children living in the same household,
• children are younger than 25 years of age and unmarried.

The online application for the Kinderzuschlag is submitted to the given family fund. The application must be accompanied by:

• income certificate for the last 6 months,
• declaration of assets,
• documents proving the living costs.

The surcharge is paid for 6 months, after which a new application must be filed to verify continuing entitlement to the allowance.