Every year, the federal government allocates significant funds to families, distributed across various benefits. Here, we provide an initial overview of the financial support options available for families and during pregnancy.
Our tip: Start preparing your applications before the birth and complete them as much as possible in advance.
Maternity Allowance
You are entitled to maternity allowance if you are employed or in marginal employment.
If you are a member of a statutory health insurance scheme, you can apply for maternity allowance through your health insurance provider.
Further information about maternity benefits can be found on the Family Portal.
If you are privately insured or still covered under a family insurance plan, you must submit your application to the Federal Office for Social Security (Mutterschaftsgeldstelle).
You can calculate the amount of your maternity allowance here: Maternity Allowance Calculator.
Child Benefit
Child benefit is an income-independent financial support for families with children. It can be applied for immediately after the child's birth at the Family Offices of the Employment Agencies or the Family Office for Public Service Employees.
Further information, as well as the application form, can be found here.
Further information, as well as the application form, can be found here.
Child Supplement, Benefits for Education and Participation, and Housing Allowance
With a low income, many parents are eligible for child supplement, the education package, and/or housing allowance—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 can be applied for at the relevant Family Office.
Further information, as well as the option to submit the application online, can be found here.
Housing allowance, as a rent subsidy, can be applied for by low-income families at the housing allowance office of their municipality.
Additionally, recipients can apply for education and participation benefits, which cover expenses such as school supplies for the child, school and daycare trips, school transportation, tutoring, or sports club memberships.
You can find more information here.
Advance Maintenance Payment
Single parents can apply for advance maintenance payment for children under the age of 18 at the Youth Welfare Office if the person obligated to pay maintenance does not pay at all, pays irregularly, or if paternity has not been established. The amount of the payment always depends on the age of the child.