Child-Related Finances
Each year, the federal government allocates substantial funds for families, covering a wide range of benefits. Below, we provide a brief overview of the financial support available for families and during pregnancy.
Our tip: Start reviewing and preparing applications well before the birth so that you can focus on your baby once they arrive.
Child Benefit
Child benefit is an income-independent financial support provided to all families with children up to 18 years old. It can be applied for immediately after the birth at the family offices of the Employment Agency or the public service family office. Further information and the application form can be found here.
Application Form (Online Completion)
More Information About Child Benefit
Parental Allowance
If you wish to take parental leave to spend time with your child, it must be requested in writing at least seven weeks before it begins. During parental leave, you have special protection against dismissal. To compensate for lost income during this period, you can receive parental allowance for up to 14 months of your child’s life—12 months for one parent and an additional 2 partner months.
There are different options available:
- Basic Parental Allowance
- Parental Allowance Plus
- Partnership Bonus
These options can also be combined. Even parents who live apart can claim parental allowance.
If you have no income or had no income in the last 12 months, you are still entitled to the basic parental allowance of €300.
You can find more information here.
Child Supplement and Housing Benefit
Families with a low income may qualify for the child supplement, the education package, and/or housing benefit—this applies to both couples and single parents. Families are eligible for the child supplement if the parents’ income covers their own needs but not those of their children. The supplement amounts to up to €205 per month and can be applied for at the responsible family office. More information, as well as an online application option, can be found here.
In addition, you can apply for education and participation benefits that help cover costs such as school supplies for your child, school and daycare excursions, school transportation, tutoring, or sports club fees. These can be requested through the relevant municipality or district office.
Families with low incomes can apply for a rent subsidy (housing benefit) through their local housing benefit office. Students are only eligible for housing benefit in exceptional cases. You can find out more and see if you qualify here.
Advance Maintenance Payments
Single parents can apply for advance maintenance payments at the youth welfare office for children under 18 years of age if the liable party does not pay maintenance at all, pays it irregularly, or if paternity has not been established. The amount is determined based on the child’s age. More detailed information can be found here.
Advance Maintenance Payments on Family Portal
Advance Maintenance Payments (Ministry for Family, Women, Culture, and Integration RLP)
Citizens' Allowance
You can apply for Citizens’ Allowance (formerly Unemployment Benefit II) for your child even if you, as a parent, are not eligible to receive it.
During semesters on leave, if BAföG eligibility ends, you may still qualify for Citizens’ Allowance if you are in need.
Information about applying for Citizens’ Allowance for students/children and additional needs for pregnant women:
Citizens’ Allowance Information from the Student Union
Citizens’ Allowance Information from Studis Online
Emergency Relief Funds
Students experiencing an unforeseen financial crisis can apply for immediate and uncomplicated emergency assistance from either the Student Union or Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences. You can find more information here.