What is Kindergeld and who can apply for it?
Kindergeld is a German child benefit paid to parents or legal guardians (in the case of adopted children or foster families). It is paid monthly for each child. This family allowance is provided until the child turns 18. If the child’s birthday falls on the first day of the month, the benefit is paid only until the last day of the previous month. However, if the child is undergoing vocational training or studying, the benefit period can be extended up to the age of 25 (by submitting the appropriate application).
Who is entitled to this child benefit? Parents or guardians working in Germany and subject to unlimited tax liability there. It is sufficient for only one parent or guardian to meet this condition. You can apply for the family allowance from the moment you start working in Germany. It is granted for children living in Poland. The parent applying for Kindergeld must document that they live in the same household as the child, meaning they reside together, and the parent has only gone to Germany for work purposes.
Is the family allowance paid retroactively? Yes, but only for up to 6 calendar months from the date of submitting the application (according to the regulations in force since January 1, 2018).
What are the child benefit rates for Kindergeld?
As of July 1, 2019, these rates changed compared to previous years. They are as follows:
- 204 euros for the first and second child,
- 210 euros for the third child,
- 235 euros for the fourth and each additional child.
It is also worth noting that low-income individuals (up to €900 per month for couples or up to €600 for single parents) can apply for an additional benefit to Kindergeld (called Kinderzuschlag) of up to €170 per month for each child. A condition for receiving this supplement is not receiving Hartz IV social assistance. The child must be under 25 years old and financially dependent on the parents.
What if a child benefit is already being received in Poland?
In such a case, Kindergeld will only cover the difference between the two benefit amounts.
Where to submit the application and what documents will be needed?
The Kindergeld application can be submitted in person or through an authorized representative at the Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office). The required form can be found and downloaded from its website. The entire process can also be completed online and sent in encrypted form directly to the Family Benefits Office.
The decision regarding Kindergeld usually takes between 2 and 6 months, and in some cases, for example when the applicant is self-employed, even up to two years. Why is the time frame so wide? The processing time depends on many factors that affect its length. These include the completeness of the documents, the applicant’s response time to inquiries from the Family Benefits Office, the quality of communication between the Familienkasse and Polish authorities, and unfortunately also the high number of applications submitted by foreign nationals.
Required documents
All documents must be translated into German or issued on European standard forms. Official documents must be translated by a sworn translator. The following documents must be attached to the application for child benefit:
- EU marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates if they are from the marriage; otherwise, a full birth certificate is required,
- if the parents are divorced or separated, an appropriate court decision is required,
- a certificate of joint residence in Poland of the applicant and the children from the City or Municipal Office,
- a certificate of residence in Germany (Anmeldung) or the last German address if the applicant is currently registered in the country. If not, the application can also be submitted without registration,
- copies of the applicant’s and the child’s guardian’s ID cards,
- a decision on the granting or refusal of child benefits in another EU country (from ROPS or MOPS),
- if the child is registered only in Poland, their PESEL number will also be required,
- Lohnsteuerbescheinigung (for the period for which the benefits are being applied for),
- a certificate of the child’s education if they are over 18 years old,
- if the child or children are cared for by someone other than the parents, a statement is required in which the parents declare that they entrust this person with the care of their children,
- German tax decision if one has been issued (Einkommensteuerbescheid),
- if a business is operated in Germany, a copy of the Gewerbeanmeldung and the entry in the Gewerberegister must also be included,
Summary
The German child benefit can also be paid to Polish citizens, even if their children do not live in Germany. It can be claimed if at least one parent is subject to unlimited tax liability there or resides in Germany. Kindergeld can be applied for even if Polish child benefits are already being received. More detailed information can be found on the Familienkasse website.