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Emergency

Child benefit over 18: during training and studies

Child benefit does not simply stop on the 18th birthday. As long as your child is in training or studies, there can still be child benefit up to the 25th birthday, but you have to inform the family benefits office (Familienkasse).

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For adult children there is still child benefit if they are in vocational training or studies, doing a voluntary service, or in a transition period (e.g. between school and training), at most until the 25th birthday.
After completing an initial vocational training, additional gainful employment can be harmful if it exceeds a certain number of weekly hours. Certain activities (e.g. minor employment) are not harmful.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the requirements

    Training, studies, voluntary service, a transition period, or waiting for a placement?

  2. 2

    2. Gather evidence

    Have an enrollment certificate, training contract, or similar ready.

  3. 3

    3. Inform the family benefits office

    Notify the Familienkasse of the training status and submit the evidence.

  4. 4

    4. Object if rejected

    If child benefit is wrongly cut, you can file an objection (mind the deadline).

Frequently asked questions

Is there child benefit after the 18th birthday too?

Yes. For adult children, child benefit continues to be paid as long as they are in training or studies, doing a voluntary service, or in a transition/waiting period, at most until they reach the age of 25. You must inform the family benefits office of the status and submit evidence.

May my child work alongside their studies without losing child benefit?

Until the completion of the first vocational training or initial studies, the extent of gainful employment is generally irrelevant. After that, employment above a certain number of weekly hours can be harmful, but minor employment or training relationships are generally not harmful.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.