Funding your studies as a foster child or care leaver is often more complicated than funding a degree while living with your parents, because several bodies are responsible: the office for training assistance (Amt für Ausbildungsförderung), the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) and the family benefit office (Familienkasse). This guide explains which rules apply, where the limits are and which documents you should prepare. It does not replace a binding decision from the responsible office.
Short answer: Foster children and care leavers usually finance their studies through the federal training grant (BAföG), youth welfare support and scholarships. Whether your parents’ income is disregarded for BAföG is decided case by case under § 11 para. 3 BAföG. Youth welfare support for young adults under § 41 SGB VIII is generally available until age 21. Last updated: October 2026.
The Most Important Points at a Glance
- Under § 32 para. 1 of the Income Tax Act (EStG), a foster child counts as a child if a family-like, long-term bond exists and the child was not taken in for commercial reasons.
- BAföG only takes parental income into account where the law requires it. The exceptions in which parental income is disregarded are listed in § 11 para. 3 BAföG.
- In January 2024, a separate care leaver rule in BAföG was still only a proposal. Ask the responsible office which version of the law applies to your application.
- Youth welfare support for young adults under § 41 SGB VIII is generally provided until age 21. In justified individual cases, it can continue longer.
- For students, the age limit for child benefit and family insurance is 25, provided the other conditions are met.
When Does BAföG Disregard Your Parents’ Income?
The Federal Training Assistance Act (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz, BAföG) assumes that parents contribute to their child’s maintenance, where a maintenance duty exists (see § 1601 BGB). This is not an automatic rule. Section 11 BAföG sets out which income and assets are taken into account. Its third paragraph lists cases in which parental income is disregarded. The responsible office for training assistance decides in each individual case whether one of them applies.
The Careleaver e.V. position paper of January 2024 proposes an additional case in § 11 para. 3 BAföG. It would apply to care leavers placed outside the parental home on the basis of a care plan under § 36 SGB VIII. The paper describes this as a proposal, not as current law. Only the current text of the law and a written statement from the office can confirm whether it applies now. Our guide to independent BAföG explains how to prepare the application.
| Situation | What counts in the assessment | Where to ask |
|---|---|---|
| You live with your biological parents | Parental income is assessed under the BAföG rules | Office for training assistance at your Studierendenwerk |
| You are a foster child with a care plan | Assessment under § 11 para. 3 BAföG in the individual case, care plan as evidence | Office for training assistance and youth welfare office |
| You are an adult supported by the youth welfare office | Youth welfare support under § 41 SGB VIII, scope set out in the care plan | Responsible youth welfare office |
Does Child Benefit and Family Insurance Work for Foster Children?
Foster children count as children in tax law. Section 32 para. 1 EStG names foster children where a family-like, long-term bond exists and the child was not taken in for commercial reasons. Child benefit (Kindergeld) is available for students in training until age 25. Who receives it depends on who actually looks after the child. The family benefit office (Familienkasse) clarifies this in each case.
Under § 10 para. 4 SGB V, foster children also count as children for statutory health insurance. For students, the age limit for family insurance is 25. The income ceiling for total income was 565 euros per month in 2026. It applies to all family members, including children. Whether you qualify depends on the insured family member who gives you cover.
| Topic | Rule (status 2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Foster child counts as a child | Family-like, long-term bond, no commercial placement | § 32 para. 1 EStG |
| Child benefit during training | Age limit 25 years | § 32 EStG |
| Family insurance | Total income limit 565 euros a month, age limit 25 during studies | § 10 SGB V |
What Help Is Available After You Turn 18?
The youth welfare office can grant support for young adults under § 41 SGB VIII when it is necessary for personal development and independent living. It generally ends when you reach age 21. In justified cases, it can be extended. The youth welfare office decides whether support continues and how far, based on your care plan.
A clear sequence of steps helps before the support ends:
- Ask for your current care plan and note which forms of support it names explicitly.
- Ask the youth welfare office in good time before your 18th and 21st birthdays whether support under § 41 SGB VIII can continue.
- Request a written notice about the support and keep the deadlines in your calendar.
- If something is unclear, get advice from a counselling service for young people leaving youth welfare care.
What Role Do Side Jobs and Scholarships Play?
A side job can help finance your studies, but it affects your BAföG. How earnings are counted depends on the allowances the office applies. Our guide to part-time jobs and taxes for students covers the basics.
Scholarships are an additional source for many students. Whether a scholarship is counted towards BAföG is decided by the office. Your university knows the calls for applications on site. For an overview of types and requirements, see scholarships for students in Germany.
Where Can You Get Support on the Ground?
- The Studierendenwerk advises on BAföG and helps with application documents.
- The student counselling service of your university often knows emergency funds and help for special circumstances.
- The youth welfare office or the organisation providing youth welfare services clarifies your entitlement, care plan and evidence.
- Care leaver networks and associations offer exchange and practical tips, but they do not replace a decision from the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get BAföG if I live in a foster family?
A foster arrangement alone does not answer the question. What matters is whether a BAföG rule applies, for example one of the exceptions in § 11 para. 3 BAföG. The office checks the documents, including your care plan. Do not rely on experiences shared in forums. Rely on the written decision.
Does the care leaver rule already apply?
The January 2024 position paper describes it as a reform proposal. You need to check whether it has entered into force since then. Ask the office which version of the law it relies on, and ask for the reasons to be stated in the decision.
Until what age does the youth welfare office pay support for young adults?
Generally until your 21st birthday. In justified individual cases, longer support is possible. The youth welfare office decides based on your care plan and your living situation.
How long am I covered by family insurance during my studies?
For students, the age limit is 25. The total income must also stay below 565 euros per month (2026). Your health insurance fund can confirm whether you qualify in your specific situation.
Where can I find suitable scholarships?
Your university is the first contact for performance-based scholarships. For foundations, search by subject area, background and personal situation. Many scholarship bodies ask about commitment and motivation, not only about grades.
What You Should Do Now
- Collect evidence of your living situation: the care plan, youth welfare decisions and proof of income from your parents or foster parents.
- Ask the office for training assistance whether the exceptions in § 11 para. 3 BAföG may apply to you, and request written confirmation of the check.
- Apply to the youth welfare office in good time for support under § 41 SGB VIII before the support ends.
- Check child benefit and family insurance with the family benefit office and your health insurance fund before making major decisions.
Related Articles
- Independent BAföG: Requirements and Application
- Scholarships for students: Types, providers, requirements
- Part-Time Jobs and Taxes for Students in Germany
- Student Family Insurance 2026: Income Limits and Age
Sources: Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG), § 11, gesetze-im-internet.de (in German). Eighth Book of the Social Code (SGB VIII), § 36 and § 41, gesetze-im-internet.de (in German). Income Tax Act (EStG), § 32, gesetze-im-internet.de (in German). GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on contribution calculations, status 1 January 2026, PDF (in German). Careleaver e.V., position paper, January 2024, PDF (in German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
