Child benefit is not the only subsidy that parents receive from the state. There are other benefits that families or single parents can apply for. An overview.
By Julian Hirmke
This article first appeared on RTL.de
Some parents think twice about whether a child is even affordable. The state also helps families financially. The following benefits from the federal government can relieve your own household budget or free up time for care.
The parental allowance
Parental allowance is available to all mothers and fathers. It compensates for the lack of income when parents look after their child after the birth. It can be applied for alone or with a partner. There are three types of parental allowance:
- Basic parental allowance is available for at least two months up to twelve months if only one parent takes advantage of the help. If both parents use the basic parental allowance, they can use it for up to 14 months. Single parents are also entitled to 14 months. There is even longer money for parents of premature babies. A total of 300 to 1800 euros are possible depending on income. There are higher amounts if they have other smaller children or if they have twins.
- With ElterngeldPlus you can extend your cash receipt. The Plus variant is available from the 15th month and even twice as long as the basic parental allowance. If you don’t work, however, there is only half as much subsidy as with basic parental allowance. Parents who return to part-time work are rewarded with higher earnings. Here are from 150 to 900 euros per month.
- Parents who share family and work particularly as partners can receive the partnership bonus. These are additional months of ElterngeldPlus if both work part-time at the same time.
The parental allowance must be applied for in writing or online at the responsible parental allowance office. Important: The application for parental allowance should be made within the first three months of the child’s life, because it is only paid retrospectively for a maximum of three months.
The parental leave
Parental leave is unpaid leave for all parents who are employed. There are up to 36 months for both parents. Partners can split parental leave into up to three periods. The employer may reduce the parents’ leave entitlement by one twelfth for each full calendar month of absence. However, parents have protection against dismissal so that they can return to work after parental leave.
Important: Parental leave must be registered seven months before you want it to start.
The child benefit
All families receive child benefit, regardless of income. Up to 250 euros are included for each child per month. This is basically for:
- all children up to the age of 18
- Children in education up to the age of 25
- unemployed children up to the age of 21
The child allowance
The child supplement supports single parents and families with low incomes. It is a maximum of 250 euros per child per month. In order to receive the child allowance, the following conditions apply, among others:
- You must receive child benefit for the child in question.
- The gross income of couples must not fall below a minimum of EUR 900 for couples and EUR 600 for single parents.
- You have enough income for yourself and together with the child allowance, the child benefit and any housing benefit you are entitled to, you can cover the needs of your family.
Important: Both the child benefit and the child supplement must be applied for. As a rule, the Family Benefits Office of the Federal Employment Agency is responsible.
Maternity allowance, child support payments and allowances for children
The maternity benefit secures the income of an expectant or young mother during the time when employment is prohibited for protection reasons. The money is intended for women who are in employment. There is a maximum of 13 euros per calendar day. The subsidy can be applied for no earlier than seven weeks before the expected delivery date.
The maintenance advance is a special help for children of single parents. It is primarily intended for those who do not receive maintenance or do not receive it regularly. Up to the age of twelve, children can receive maintenance advances without time restrictions. Up to 338 euros per month are included.
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The allowances for children serve to make the subsistence level of children tax-free. For some parents, the allowances for children are more worthwhile than the child benefit. For this year, the allowance is 6024 euros. As part of the annual income tax assessment, the tax office checks whether the allowances for children or the child benefit paid out are more favorable for the parents. This check is automatic and does not have to be applied for.
Source: Stern
