As parents of students, you need to clarify three things before the semester starts: health insurance, child benefit and maintenance (Unterhalt). Family insurance for students ends at 25, and child benefit generally runs until 25 if the degree is the first training. Maintenance depends on your income and your child’s needs. For students living away from home, the 2026 needs rate is 990 euros per month.
The most important facts at a glance
| Key fact | Value 2026 | Status and source |
|---|---|---|
| Child benefit per child | 259 euros per month | Official, § 66 EStG, as of 20 October 2026 |
| Family insurance, income limit | 565 euros per month (mini-job 603 euros) | Official, § 10 SGB V |
| Age limit for family insurance during training | 25 years | Official, § 10 para. 2 SGB V |
| Needs rate for students living away from home | 990 euros per month | Düsseldorf Table, as of 1 January 2026 |
Does your child stay in your family insurance?
Yes, if your child is under 25 and their own total income stays below 565 euros per month, or below 603 euros for a mini-job. If income is higher, family insurance ends, and your child becomes compulsorily insured in the KVdS. From 25, family insurance for students ends even if income is low. Student health insurance costs about 143 to 148 euros per month in 2026, depending on age and the additional contribution. The details are in Family insurance during studies under 25 (in German). You can check the distance to the limit with the family insurance check.
What changes for child benefit?
Child benefit continues during a first training or first degree until 25. A mini-job does not harm this, and employment without a fixed hour limit is not expressly excluded during a first degree, but studying must remain the main focus. If you do not notify the family benefits office of the start of studies, reclaims may follow. You can check the child benefit entitlement with the child benefit check. The details on entitlement and application are in Child benefit during studies 2026 (in German).
What about maintenance?
Parents owe their child maintenance for an appropriate first training, which generally includes a degree. The amount follows the Düsseldorf Table (Düsseldorfer Tabelle) and your income. For an adult child, child benefit is offset against the needs. The calculation method and the duration of the entitlement are explained in Maintenance for students: amount and duration 2026 (in German).
Which documents should parents of students prepare?
- Enrolment certificate with the start date and course of study, for the family benefits office and the health insurer.
- Proof of your previous health insurance and your family insurance, with the end date.
- School-leaving certificate (Abitur) or proof of school qualification, if the family benefits office requests it.
- Tenancy agreement or proof of the housing situation, as it matters for maintenance and BAföG.
- Income evidence for your child if they work alongside their studies.
Worked example: what does the start of studies cost in one year?
- Needs of the child living away from home: 990 euros per month (Düsseldorf Table 2026).
- Child benefit: 259 euros per month, offset against the needs for an adult child.
- Remaining needs: 990 euros − 259 euros = 731 euros per month, distributed according to the parents’ income.
- Training in one year: 731 euros × 12 = 8,772 euros as a reference value, before own income and BAföG are taken into account.
How to proceed now
- Before the semester starts, clarify until when your family insurance runs and compare it with your child’s income.
- Notify the family benefits office of the start of studies in writing and enclose the enrolment certificate.
- Discuss a mini-job and BAföG with your child before maintenance is fixed.
- Keep the documents on maintenance, child benefit and insurance in one folder until the degree is complete.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child stay in my family insurance while studying?
Until 25, yes, if your child’s income stays below 565 euros per month, or below 603 euros for a mini-job. From 25, family insurance for students ends, and student health insurance applies.
Do I receive child benefit while my child studies?
Usually yes, for a first degree up to 25. A mini-job does not harm this. The family benefits office decides on each case.
Must I pay maintenance if my child studies away from home?
Yes, for an appropriate first training, and according to your income. Child benefit is offset against the needs.
What do I have to report to the family benefits office?
The start of studies, a change of course, an interruption and your child’s income above the permitted limits. Reporting is mandatory, even if the entitlement initially remains unchanged.
More on the start of studies is in the Checklist for students (in German), which you can go through with your child.
Sources and review
- § 32, § 66 EStG (child benefit, age limits), gesetze-im-internet.de, accessed 20 October 2026.
- § 10 SGB V (family insurance), gesetze-im-internet.de, accessed 20 October 2026.
- § 1601, § 1610, § 1612b BGB (maintenance), gesetze-im-internet.de, accessed 20 October 2026.
- Düsseldorf Table, as of 1 January 2026, OLG Düsseldorf.
This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Editorial team: Academycon · Last updated: October 2026
For a first assessment of your situation, use the Online check.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
