Guides &knowledge.
Free articles and expert tips on state family benefits in Germany.
Benefits for Single Parents in Germany 2026: A Complete Overview
Advance maintenance €227/299/394, single-parent relief €4,260, tax class II, child supplement, housing benefit: all 2026 benefits for single parents with examples.
Düsseldorf Table 2026: Payable Amounts & Kindergeld Credit
Official Düsseldorf Table 2026: all 15 income groups, payable amounts after Kindergeld, protected minimum and primary sources.
How to Apply for Elterngeld in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide, Deadlines and Pitfalls
Applying for Elterngeld 2026: documents needed, the 3-month retroactive deadline, Basis vs Plus, calculation formula (67% net, min €300, max €1,800). 3 worked examples.
ElterngeldPlus vs. Basic Elterngeld 2026: What Pays Off and When?
Basic Elterngeld up to €1,800, ElterngeldPlus twice as long. Comparison, calculations, partnership bonus and the €175,000 income limit for 2026 in Germany.
Applying for Kindergeld in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide
Kindergeld 2026: 259 € per child. A complete guide to applying at the Familienkasse, documents, processing time, backdated payment, and special cases.
Kindergeld vs. Child Tax Allowance 2026: The Favourability Check Explained
Kindergeld €3,108 vs. child tax allowance €9,756: how Germany's tax office runs the favourability check in 2026. With tables, tipping points and worked examples.
Claiming Kindergeld Retroactively in 2026 — What Is and Isn't Possible
Backdating Kindergeld: since 2018 only six months are allowed. When does a late claim pay off, and how do you go about it?
Claiming Kindergeld for Adult Children in 2026 — Training, Study, Transition Periods
Kindergeld 2026 for children over 18: when the entitlement continues, what evidence the Familienkasse needs, and what applies when a child changes course.
Child Sick Days 2026: Entitlement, Application and Child Sickness Benefit
Child sick days 2026: 15 days per parent and child, 30 days for single parents. Child sickness benefit at 90% of net pay, application and special cases explained.
Applying for Kinderzuschlag 2026 — The Online Application and Documents
Apply for Kinderzuschlag 2026 online: the KiZ-Lotse, form KiZ 1, the documents you need, and what to watch for with the follow-up application.
Optimising Your Tax Class for Parental Allowance 2026: Getting the Timing Right
Up to €7,000 more parental allowance by switching tax class in time. The 7-of-12-months rule, the optimal classes III/V, timing and common mistakes — as of 2026.
Housing Benefit (Wohngeld) 2026 for Families with Children: Calculator and Eligibility
Wohngeld 2026 for families: rent levels 1–7 explained, combining it with the child supplement, calculation by household size and income, applying at the housing benefit office, and 3 example cases.