The federal government allocates substantial funds to families each year, which are distributed among various benefits. Below, we provide a brief overview of the financial support available for families and during pregnancy.
Our tip: Prepare your applications well in advance before the baby arrives so you can focus fully on your new arrival once they are born.
Child Benefit
Child benefit is an income-independent financial support for all families with children up to 18 years old. It can be applied for immediately after birth at the family offices of the employment agencies or the family office of the public service.
Further information and the application form can be found here.
Parental Allowance
If parents wish to take parental leave to spend time with their child, this must be requested in writing at least seven weeks before it begins. During parental leave, special protection against dismissal applies. To compensate for lost income during this time, parents can receive parental allowance for up to 14 months of the child’s life: 12 months for one parent plus 2 partner months.
There are various options available: Basic Parental Allowance, Parental Allowance Plus, and the Partnership Bonus—these can be combined. Parental allowance is also available to parents who do not live together.
Child Supplement and Housing Benefit
With a low income, many parents are eligible 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 is up to 205 euros per month and can be applied for at the responsible family office.
Further information and the option to submit the application online can be found here.
Families with low incomes can apply for housing benefit—a rent subsidy—at their local housing office.
In addition, recipients can apply for education and participation benefits, which help cover costs such as school supplies, school and daycare excursions, school transportation, tutoring, or sports club fees. These can be requested through the relevant municipality or district office.