Kindergeld 2026: how much per child?
259 € per child per month — the same for every child. The former graduation by number of children has not existed since 2023.
The law does not link Kindergeld to the parents' income.
Calculate Kindergeld for several children
Per month: 259 €Per year: 3.108 €
Calculated with 259 € per child per month (§ 66 Abs. 1 EStG, as at 14.09.2026).
The result is a calculation according to fixed rules. It does not replace a decision and does not establish any entitlement.
Not taken into account: whether the conditions are met for every child and every month, and the amounts of earlier years.
The amounts of recent years
| Valid from | Per child per month |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | 259 € |
| January 1, 2025 | 255 € |
| January 1, 2023 | 250 € |
The amount changes with the law, usually at the turn of the year. For retroactive months from an earlier year, the amount that applied at the time is the one that counts — not today's.
As at: 14.09.2026. Source: § 66 Abs. 1 EStG.
How the amount rises
The law links Kindergeld to the tax allowances for children: if they are raised, Kindergeld rises too (§ 66 Abs. 3 EStG).
When the money arrives
The day on which the Familienkasse transfers Kindergeld depends on the last digit of the child benefit reference number.
From which month, until which month
Kindergeld is paid from the beginning of the month in which the conditions are met until the end of the month in which they cease to apply (§ 66 Abs. 2 EStG).
If income is tight
Kinderzuschlag is paid on top of Kindergeld when income is low. Both go through the same Familienkasse.