Common questions about the application
Situations people ask about most often. Every answer is given in three sentences at the top of the page; read on if you need more.
Family
Kindergeld (child benefit)
- Kindergeld 2026: how much per child?In 2026 Kindergeld is 259 € a month, the same for every child. Calculator for several children, amounts of previous years, source.
- Up to what age is Kindergeld paid?Until 18 without conditions, until 21 when seeking work, until 25 in training, no age limit with a disability — and in which month it ends.
- Who receives Kindergeld?Residence, child, tax ID and age — and without a German passport: EU law, agreements or a residence permit. The conditions at a glance.
- The child benefit reference numberThe child benefit reference number is on every letter from the Familienkasse and in the reference of the transfer. Its last digit determines the payment day.
- When is Kindergeld paid? Payment dates 2026All 2026 dates for Kindergeld and Kinderzuschlag by the last digit of the child benefit reference number. Pick the digit, read the day.
- Applying for Kindergeld when the child lives abroadWhich sheets are added when your child does not live in Germany.
- Kindergeld for a child over 18What the application calls for when your child is of age.
- Applying for Kindergeld as an EU citizenWhich additional sheet belongs with it when you come from an EU country.
- Kindergeld for a foster childThe additional sheet when a child lives with you permanently.
- Applying for Kindergeld for yourself when both parents have diedYour own application when nobody else can apply for the Kindergeld.
Kinderzuschlag (child supplement)
- Who receives Kinderzuschlag?Child benefit for the child, the child under 25 in the household, a minimum income of 900 € or 600 € — and no claim to Grundsicherungsgeld.
- Kinderzuschlag 2026: how much?At most 297 € per child a month, including the immediate supplement. Why it is often less: income of the child and of the parents reduces the amount.
- Applying for Kinderzuschlag as a self-employed personWhich sheet is added when your income comes from your own work.
- Kinderzuschlag when the other parent pays no maintenanceThe additional sheet on maintenance and advance maintenance payments.
Elterngeld
- How much Elterngeld is there?Elterngeld replaces 65 to 100 % of income before the birth, at least 300 €, at most 1.800 € a month. With examples.
- Who receives Elterngeld?Residence in Germany, the child in the household, caring for it yourself, working at most 32 hours a week: the requirements at a glance.
- How long is Elterngeld paid?12 months of Basiselterngeld together, 2 partner months on top, up to the 14. month of the child's life. Elterngeld Plus runs longer.
- Applying for Elterngeld if you are self-employedWhy a different year counts for self-employment than for employees.
- Applying for Elterngeld in Bayern — which official form appliesWhy the federal official form is filled in here and what the law says about the form of the application.
Business
Trade registration
- Registering a trade as a GbR — what does each person need?Why with a GbR every person needs a sheet of their own.
- Notifying a change of trade after a moveWhen a change notification is enough and when a deregistration and a registration are needed.
- Deregistering a trade — what has to be done?The official form for the end of a business or its handover.
Taxes
Request tax ID
- What the Steuer-ID looks likeThe Steuer-ID has 11 digits and no letters; the last one is a check digit. It stays the same for life. With a format check.
- Where the Steuer-ID is shownThe Steuer-ID is usually shown in the income tax assessment or on the wage tax statement. Otherwise request it again — it only comes by letter.
- Steuer-ID, Steuernummer, business identification numberEveryone has the Steuer-ID for life. The Steuernummer is issued by the tax office and can change. The business ID starts with DE.
- Tax ID not received after moving to Germany — what now?When waiting is right, and from when asking helps.
- Requesting the tax ID of a person you representWhat court-appointed legal representatives and guardians have to enclose.
- Requesting another person's tax ID under a power of attorneyWhose identity document copy has to be enclosed — and why it can be the wrong one.
Work and basic security
Grundsicherungsgeld
- From Bürgergeld to GrundsicherungsgeldSince 1 July 2026 Bürgergeld has been called Grundsicherungsgeld. What stays the same, what is new and why letters may still say „Bürgergeld“.
- Standard rates 2026 for GrundsicherungsgeldGrundsicherungsgeld, formerly Bürgergeld: 563 € a month for single people, 506 € per partner, children by age. All six levels with source.
- When does Grundsicherungsgeld arrive?Payment is made monthly in advance. When the money is in the account, what applies to the first payment and what is possible if it is not enough.
- Applying for Bürgergeld — what do I need for it?Which sheets belong to the application and which supporting documents the Jobcenter expects alongside them.
- Bürgergeld with a child — which annexes do I need?Which sheet a child receives, and why age decides that.
- Bürgergeld while self-employed — filling in the annex EKSHow the business account is built up and why it is required twice.
- Bürgergeld and assets — how much may you have?Which allowance applies per person and what is not counted at all.
- Bürgergeld at a municipal Jobcenter — a different official form?Why some Jobcenters issue their own official forms and what that means for the application.