For voluntary service child benefit, the period of service matters. A voluntary social year (FSJ) or federal voluntary service (Bundesfreiwilligendienst) before studies changes two things: child benefit continues during service, and you are generally compulsorily insured yourself during service. Family insurance pauses during this time and revives after service if you are still in training. The age limit of 25 extends by the length of service, up to twelve months.
Key facts at a glance
| Key fact | Value | Status and source |
|---|---|---|
| Child benefit during voluntary service | Continues until 25 | Section 32(4) EStG, as of 20 October 2026 |
| Health insurance during service | Compulsory insurance in statutory health insurance, contributions paid by the placement organisation | Federal Ministry of Health information sheet, as of 1 January 2022 |
| Family insurance during service | Excluded | Federal Ministry of Health information sheet |
| Extension of the age limit | By the length of service, up to 12 months beyond 25 | Section 10(2) SGB V |
Voluntary service child benefit and insurance during service
Child benefit is paid until the 25th birthday for the duration of a recognised voluntary service. The service counts as employment under social security law. Volunteers are therefore considered compulsorily insured in health insurance, even with a minor employment. The placement organisation alone pays the contributions. During this time you are not family insured through your parents, but through your own compulsory insurance.
What happens after service?
After service, family insurance can apply again if you are in school or vocational training, such as studies, and the income limit is met. If service interrupted or delayed training, the age limit extends by the length of service, up to twelve months beyond the 25th birthday. Enrolment then starts student health insurance, unless you remain insured through your parents.
| Phase | Child benefit | Health insurance |
|---|---|---|
| During service | Continues, until 25 | Own compulsory insurance, contributions paid by the placement organisation |
| Transition period before studies starts | Continues, up to four months | Family insurance possible again, if the limits fit |
| During studies | Continues, until 25 | Student insurance or family insurance until 25 |
Worked example: twelve months of service at 24
- Your child starts service at 24, works for twelve months and then begins studies.
- Family insurance is excluded during this time, and compulsory insurance runs through the placement organisation.
- The age limit for family insurance during training extends by twelve months, to 26, if service has delayed training.
- Child benefit: during service, the entitlement runs until the 25th birthday. The extension of the age limit for family insurance only takes effect after service.
What to do now
- Ask the placement organisation for written confirmation of the duration, pocket money and health insurance.
- Report the service to the family benefits office so that child benefit continues without a gap.
- Note the end date of the service and ask your health insurer from when family insurance applies again.
- After admission to university, check your health insurance with the semester start checklist (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Am I family insured through my parents during the FSJ?
No. During service you are generally compulsorily insured yourself, and family insurance is paused.
Do my parents receive child benefit during the federal voluntary service?
Yes, child benefit is paid for a recognised voluntary service until the 25th birthday. The family benefits office checks the service in each individual case.
How does family insurance continue after service?
If you are in training, it can apply again. The age limit extends by the length of service, up to twelve months.
Is the FSJ regulated the same way as the federal voluntary service?
In essence, yes. The details on insurance and child benefit are checked by your health insurer and the family benefits office, together with your placement organisation.
For more on the period between school and university, see Gap year after the Abitur: opportunities and risks (in German). For a personal check, use the online check.
Sources and checks
- Information sheet on compulsory insurance for volunteers in the federal voluntary service, Federal Ministry of Health, as of 1 January 2022.
- Sections 5(1) no. 1 and 10(2) SGB V, gesetze-im-internet.de, retrieved 20 October 2026.
- Section 32(4) EStG (child benefit and voluntary service), gesetze-im-internet.de, retrieved 20 October 2026.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Editorial team: Academycon
