Kindergeld 2026. How much do Poles pay for a child from Germany?
Poles have the “800 plus” childcare benefit, and Germans – Kindergeld. In 2026, the amount of the German benefit increased significantly, and Poles are also entitled to it.
Kindergeld from 2026 amounts to EUR 259 per month per child, i.e. PLN 1,135. Previously it was 255 euros (approximately PLN 1,117). This is much more than the Polish parental allowance, which from January 2024 amounts to PLN 800 per child and is payable only until the age of 18.
The benefit in Germany can be paid up to the age of 25 if the child continues education. Polish families also deserve it – including those living in Poland.
Living in Poland, but child benefit from Germany. Three options to use
As a rule, the condition for receiving the benefit is that the child’s parents or guardians live in Germany or elsewhere. It is also sufficient to be subject to tax liability in the Federal Republic of Germany.
Therefore, Kindergeld can be obtained by employees seconded from Poland to work in Germany, parents running a business (Gewerbe) in Germany, or Poles living in Poland if the other parent works in Germany. The EU principle of coordination allows this. You can only apply for Kindergeld benefit up to 6 months ago.
The application for Kindergeld is submitted to the German family fund – Familienkasse. This can only be done in writing.
Germany subsidizes Poles up to PLN 800 plus. “Differential allowance”
The application must be accompanied by the child’s birth certificate, documents confirming work or running a business in Germany, and an employment certificate from a German employer.
If the parents already receive the 800 plus benefit for the child in Poland, but at the same time meet the requirements for obtaining Kindergeld, only the amount representing the difference between the amount of the German benefit and the Polish benefit is paid from Germany. This solution is called a “differential allowance”.
It results from EU regulations on the coordination of social security systems in a situation where one parent works abroad (e.g. in Germany) and the other parent stays in Poland with the children. Child benefit does not depend on the family’s income, but on the fact of being insured and working in two different EU countries.
Germans are meticulous, so it is worth informing the Familienkasse about any change in your life situation that affects your Kidergeld payment. This concerns the termination of work in Germany or discontinuation of education by a child after the age of 18. Silence in such matters will result in a decision to return unduly collected benefits with interest.
