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Child benefit increase: This is how much money you will get in 2026
Good news for families: Child benefit will also increase slightly in 2026. We’ll tell you how much more you get. And there is a plus elsewhere too.
Child benefit will increase slightly from January 2026 – to 259 euros per child per month (2025: 255). The child allowance is also set to increase: in 2026 to 6,828 euros per year if the parents are married. For individuals, the allowance is exactly half: 3,414 euros.
Tax-wise it comes Allowance for care, education or training needs (BEA) is added, which is 1,464 euros for individuals and 2,928 euros for joint assessment.
Tax allowance or child benefit
Unlike child benefit, you can only use the child allowance if you file a tax return. Together with the additional allowance for care, upbringing and training needs, a couple comes to 9,756 euros per year (value for 2026), which is offset against their income.
The money does not end up in the account as a direct grant, but is taken into account when calculating income tax. Parents then have to pay correspondingly less taxes.
Child benefit at a glance:
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In this context, the tax office offers a citizen-friendly service. This means: If you have submitted a tax return, what is financially more advantageous for you will be calculated – child benefit or child allowance – and you can then use this option.
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Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
