Hier finden Sie einige Infos zur Kinderbetreuung und zur Förderung von Familien.

Support for Families

The German government supports families with children. If you live in the FrankfurtRheinMain (FRM) region, you are entitled to a range of benefits. You will receive child benefit and parental leave, employment protection and tax relief. Here you will find an overview of the most important types of support available for families.


Child Benefit

Child benefit is one of the most important financial benefits for families in Germany. It is paid for every child who lives in Germany, regardless of how much the parents earn. At present, the government pays EUR 250 per month per child.

You will receive child benefit until your child turns 18. If they then go on to study or do vocational training, you will even receive it until they turn 25.

You need to apply for child benefit in writing. More details including downloadable application forms and where to find your local Child Benefit Office can be found on the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) website.


Parental Allowance

After your baby is born, you may wish to stay at home for a few months. After all, your baby will need a lot of attention, and you will probably not be able to work on the side.

If you stop working or reduce your hours, the government will make up the missing income in the form of parental allowance. The sum you receive depends on your previous income and is between EUR 300 and EUR 1,800 per month.

Parental allowance is paid for up to 14 months. The conditions are that both parents take turns looking after the child and are not working. (Each parent has to stay at home for at least two months).

You will find all of the important information on parental allowance (Elterngeld) and parental allowance plus (ElterngeldPlus) on the website of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend).


Parental Leave

All working parents in Germany are entitled to parental leave. You can look after your child at home until they turn three and your employment contract will still remain valid. After three years, you may return to work. During this time, your employer is not allowed to dismiss you.

You must inform your employer about your parental leave at least seven weeks before the birth of your child. You also need to tell them how long you wish to take parental leave for.

More details on parental leave can be found on the Federal Ministry’s family portal Familienportal.


Maternity Leave

In Germany, pregnant women are entitled to maternity leave. This protects employees from health risks, excessive workloads, financial losses and loss of their job. Maternity leave starts six weeks before the birth and ends eight weeks after.

During this period, women receive maternity pay of up to EUR 13 per day and an additional supplement from their employer. Pregnant women must apply for maternity pay from their health insurance provider.

Detailed information on the extensive benefits for families are available on the Familienportal.