Child benefit is a central component of the welfare state system in Germany and serves to support families and to provide financial relief in connection with raising children. In recent years, this benefit was temporarily increased by a one-off supplement (the so-called child bonus). It was a measure introduced in Germany in response to the economic problems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The question arises as to whether an additional one-off payment of 100 euros per child can be expected in 2026. The current legal situation is presented below.
Child bonus 2026 – what is this benefit?
The child bonus is a supplement to child benefit paid directly into the parents’ bank account, i.e. to the child benefit. It was introduced in response to the economic problems during the difficult phase of the Covid-19 pandemic. Thanks to the child bonus, numerous households were able to ensure adequate living conditions for their children.
The child bonus was available to all persons entitled to receive child benefit. This means that it primarily covered people who were subject to unlimited tax liability in Germany or who met the requirements under the provisions on the coordination of social security systems in the European Union. Neither an additional application nor the fulfilment of separate criteria was required – the supplement was paid out automatically together with the child benefit.
This supplement was part of a larger coronavirus stimulus package launched by the Federal Government to support taxpayers and stimulate the economy. Originally, it was conceived as a one-off support measure introduced during the pandemic in 2020 – in practice, however, payments were also made in subsequent years.
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Child bonus 2026 – amounts in previous years
The supplement for children child bonus for the year 2022 was a one-off payment of 100 euros per child; in the previous year, parents received 150 euros and in 2020 even 300 euros. Despite the gradual reduction in the amount of the supplement, there is still great interest in this benefit, along with the question of whether a child bonus will again be granted in 2026. For many families, this would still represent significant financial support.
The supplement to child benefit was paid in 2022 for each child for whom there was an entitlement to child benefit for at least one month. The payment was made in July into the parents’ accounts – usually a few days after the regular child benefit payment.
Children born in 2022 were also entitled to the child bonus. Payment was made automatically immediately after the child benefit application was submitted – as a rule, the amount was transferred together with the first child benefit payment.
For 2026, it should not be assumed that the child bonus will return as an additional one-off payment. Instead, the focus should be on the benefits that continue to exist – child benefit, child supplement and tax relief. These instruments can have the greatest impact on the family budget.
What will replace the child bonus in 2026 in Germany? Which benefits will continue to be available?
The most important benefit remains child benefit, which currently amounts to 259 euros per month per child and is generally paid until the child reaches the age of 18, and in certain cases (e.g. school or vocational training, university studies) even until the age of 25. In addition, reference should be made to the child supplement (Kinderzuschlag), i.e. an additional payment for families with lower incomes, which can significantly increase the monthly household budget. Also available is the tax allowance for children (Kinderfreibetrag), which reduces the taxable base and, in certain cases – particularly for higher family incomes – can prove more advantageous than receiving child benefit alone.
In addition, individual federal states offer their own support programmes, such as grants for educational or childcare services for children.
It is crucial to regularly review the applicable regulations and the available benefits, as the German social benefits system is frequently subject to changes and is adjusted to the economic situation. Even if one-off supplements such as the child bonus are no longer granted, other forms of support can in practice provide more stable and long-term financial relief.
A child bonus will not be paid in 2026; however, the benefits that continue to exist provide effective support for families in Germany. These benefits can be claimed by submitting applications to the competent authorities or online. One of the applications that can be used to complete all the formalities is the easy-to-use and intuitive tax refund tool Taxando.
FAQ
Will the child bonus be paid in 2026?
No, at present there is no decision to pay a child bonus in 2026. However, families can continue to claim the regular child benefit as well as other family benefits in Germany.
How much is child benefit in 2026?
Since 1 January 2026, child benefit has amounted to 259 euros per month per child. This benefit is granted regardless of income, provided the eligibility requirements for child benefit are met.
Do I need to apply for the child bonus?
No, in the years in which the child bonus was paid, no separate application was required. The supplement was paid automatically to persons who were entitled to child benefit.
Who was entitled to the child bonus?
Families who had an entitlement to child benefit for at least one month in the respective year were entitled to the child bonus. This also applied to children who were born during the year, provided that child benefit was subsequently granted for these children.
How high was the child bonus in previous years?
In 2020, the child bonus amounted to 300 euros per child, in 2021 to 150 euros and in 2022 to 100 euros. In each case, these were one-off supplements and not ongoing monthly benefits.
Did the child bonus affect the amount of child benefit?
No, the child bonus was a supplement to child benefit and did not replace the regular entitlement to child benefit. Parents received the standard child benefit as well as a separate one-off additional payment.
Which benefits can be claimed in 2026 instead of the child bonus?
The most important benefit remains child benefit in the amount of 259 euros per month per child. Families with lower incomes can also check whether they are entitled to the child supplement (Kinderzuschlag), i.e. an additional payment on top of child benefit.
When will child benefit be paid in 2026?
Child benefit is paid monthly according to the payment schedule of the Familienkasse, which is based on the final digit of the child benefit number. The official payment dates are published by the Federal Employment Agency.
Will child benefit be paid automatically without an application in the future?
A simplification of the procedure and a partially automatic payment of child benefit is planned, but not until 2027. In 2026, in many cases it will still be necessary to submit an application or provide additional documents.
Maciej Szewczyk
He gained experience as a consultant on IT projects for many international companies. In 2017, he founded the startup taxando GmbH, where he developed the innovative tax app Taxando, which simplifies the filing of annual tax returns.
Maciej Szewczyk combines technological expertise with in-depth knowledge of tax regulations, making him an expert in his field. In his private life, he is a happy husband and father and lives with his family in Berlin.
