Child Supplement Calculator Germany
Check the German child supplement (Kinderzuschlag) for 2026, up to 297 € per child, from gross and net income, rent, number of children and family status.
Details
E.g. maintenance or advance maintenance payments each child receives; reduces the supplement by 45% (Section 6a(3) BKGG). Do not enter child benefit.
Child Supplement per Month
€492.00
Expected entitlement
Per Child / Month
€246.00
max. €297.00
Per Year
€5,904.00
Note: The child supplement is a maximum of €297.00 per child/month (2026). The actual amount depends on income, housing costs, and other factors. In addition to the child supplement, there are entitlements to child benefit and education and participation benefits.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the child supplement (Kinderzuschlag)?
The child supplement is up to 297 euros per child per month for families whose income covers their own needs but not their children's. It is designed to prevent families from needing basic income support (Grundsicherungsgeld, called Bürgergeld until June 2026).
Who is entitled to the child supplement?
Families who receive child benefit, have sufficient income for themselves, but not enough for their children. The income must be at least 900 euros (couples) or 600 euros (single parents) gross.
Is the child supplement paid in addition to child benefit?
Yes. The child supplement is paid on top of child benefit and is not offset against it: in 2026 that means up to 297 euros of child supplement plus 259 euros of child benefit, i.e. up to 556 euros per child per month. The calculator shows only the child supplement – at most 594 euros for two children – and the 518 euros of child benefit come on top. The child supplement is granted for six months at a time; after that, a new application to the Familienkasse is required.
Guide
What is the Child Supplement Calculator Germany?
The child supplement calculator computes the supplement for low-income families who can avoid basic income support (Grundsicherungsgeld, called Bürgergeld until June 2026).
How does the Child Supplement Calculator Germany work?
Enter income, housing costs and number of children. The supplement is paid when parental income is sufficient for the parents but not for the children. The calculator checks income thresholds and computes the supplement.
Key Data and Facts
Max. child supplement 2026: 297 euros per child/month. Min. income threshold: 900 euros (couples) / 600 euros (single parents). Entitles to education and participation benefits.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to calculate the child supplement step by step: 1. Check the minimum income: couples must earn at least 900 EUR gross, single parents at least 600 EUR. 2. Calculate the parents' needs: the parents' total needs (standard requirement + the parents' share of housing costs, e.g. 83 % for couples with one child, 71 % with two) must be covered by their own income. If it is not, there is an entitlement to basic income support (Grundsicherungsgeld, until June 2026 Bürgergeld) instead of the child supplement. 3. Determine the child supplement: maximum supplement 2026: 297 EUR per child/month. Income exceeding the parents' needs is offset against the child supplement at 45 % (reduction). 4. Deduct the child's income: the child's own income (e.g. maintenance) is taken into account. 5. Note the additional benefits: recipients of the child supplement automatically receive benefits from the education and participation package (school supplies, lunch, tutoring, club fees) and are exempt from day-care fees. Example: married couple, 2 children (6 and 10 years old), gross income 2,800 EUR, net income 2,150 EUR, rent 750 EUR incl. heating. Earned-income allowance: 100 + 84 + 144 + 50 = 378 EUR, countable income 1,772 EUR. Parents' needs: 2 x 506 EUR standard requirement + 71 % of the rent (532.50 EUR) = 1,544.50 EUR. Surplus: 227.50 EUR, of which 45 % = 102.38 EUR reduction. Child supplement: 2 x 297 = 594 EUR minus 102.38 = about 492 EUR/month. Together with child benefit (518 EUR), the family receives 1,010 EUR for the children.
Calculation Example
Married couple, 2 children, gross 2,800 EUR, net 2,150 EUR, rent 750 EUR incl. heating. Countable income 1,772 EUR, parents' needs 1,544.50 EUR (71 % of the rent). Reduction: 45 % of 227.50 = 102.38 EUR. Child supplement: 594 - 102.38 = about 492 EUR/month. Plus child benefit (518 EUR): 1,010 EUR/month for the children.
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
- Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS)
- Deutsche Rentenversicherung
- Sozialgesetzbuch (SGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
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