Basic child protection
Is the end of child benefit coming now?
The traffic light wanted to introduce basic child benefits instead of child benefit and increase the guaranteed amount. But now that the coalition has ended, it is questionable whether this will happen.
At the turn of the year, the previous child benefit was originally supposed to be replaced by basic child support. Although basic child security was anchored in the traffic light coalition agreement, it was still one of the major points of contention during the government of the SPD, FDP and Greens. After the end of the traffic light coalition, it is more uncertain than ever whether the project will actually be implemented.
Will child benefit be abolished?
The coalition’s plans called for abolishing child benefit and instead paying out basic child benefits from January 1, 2025. This should consist of a child guarantee amount and an additional child amount.
The Child guarantee amount should correspond to the previous child benefit. In addition, the amount should be increased. Instead of the previous 250 euros, 255 euros should be paid per child, regardless of the parents’ income.
The Additional child allowance should summarize the other benefits that children currently benefit from – i.e. the previous child allowance, the children’s standard requirements from citizen’s benefit and social assistance as well as parts of the education and participation package. These benefits would be paid out in addition to the child guarantee amount and should be based on the parents’ income.
How many children would be affected?
Basic child support should generally be paid for children up to the age of 18. In addition, trainees up to the age of 25 and students up to the age of 27 should be eligible. According to the Family Ministry, there are up to 5.6 million potentially eligible children. It’s about “reducing poverty risks and giving all children the same starting and development opportunities.”
What happens after the traffic light coalition ends?
Basic child security and the increase in the current child benefit are among the projects that are in jeopardy after the end of the traffic light coalition. In September 2023, the cabinet agreed on a government draft. However, this has not yet been introduced into the Bundestag. It is questionable whether basic child security will be decided in this legislative period and depends primarily on two factors. Firstly, the law requires a parliamentary majority. Secondly, what is crucial is how much time Parliament still has before the new elections to decide on basic child welfare.
Sources: ,
ep
Source: Stern
