Child benefit until 28 during studies does not exist in this form. For children in vocational training or studies, the family benefit office (Familienkasse) usually pays Kindergeld until the child turns 25. The number 28 appears often in forums and comparison sites, but German tax law does not use it. This guide explains which age limits apply, when paid work affects the claim and which proof you need to submit.
Short answer: During vocational training or a degree, the family benefit office usually pays child benefit (Kindergeld) until the child’s 25th birthday. The Income Tax Act does not set a fixed limit of 28 years. The limit only extends for certain periods of military or civilian service. In 2026 the benefit is 259 euros per child and month (last updated: October 2026).
The most important points at a glance
- The standard limit for children in training is the completed 25th year of life (section 32 para. 4 sentence 1 no. 2 EStG, the German Income Tax Act).
- The law does not provide an age limit of 28. The limits only extend by the length of certain services (section 32 para. 5 EStG).
- During a first degree, paid work does not block the claim under the wording of the law. After a first degree or a first vocational training, work of up to 20 hours per week is harmless.
- The family benefit office asks for copies, such as an enrolment certificate (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung) at the start of your studies and proof of the end of your studies.
- You must report changes that affect the claim without delay.
Until when does the family benefit office pay child benefit?
Section 32 para. 4 of the Income Tax Act sets the age limits in several groups. The most important one is vocational training, which includes a first degree. A child is then counted until the completed 25th year of life if it is in training, in a transition period of at most four months between training sections, unable to begin or continue training because there is no training place, or doing a recognised voluntary service. The table gives an overview.
| Situation | Age limit | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Vocational training or first degree | up to 25 | training is actually taking place, proof from the university or training provider |
| Transition period between training sections | up to 25 | at most four months |
| No training place available | up to 25 | training cannot begin or continue because no place is available |
| Voluntary service, for example FSJ, FÖJ, Federal Voluntary Service or weltwärts | up to 25 | recognised service |
| Registered as job-seeking, not employed | up to 21 | registration with the Federal Employment Agency |
Children with a disability follow a separate rule in number 3. The disability must have started before the 25th birthday, and the child must be unable to support itself because of it. If you are unsure which group applies, clarify this with the family benefit office before the claim ends. Our guide on child benefit for first training explains the first-training rule in more detail.
Can I work during my studies without losing the claim?
In many cases, yes. Under the law the restriction only applies after the first vocational training or the first degree. From then on, a child is only counted if it does not work. The law also sets an exception: paid work of up to 20 regular working hours per week is harmless. The same applies to a training employment relationship and to a minijob (geringfügige Beschäftigung).
In practice, this means that during your first degree the claim under this rule remains in place even if you work alongside your studies. For a second degree or another training, keep the working time at 20 hours per week or less so that child benefit does not lapse. Our overview on child benefit and student part-time jobs shows the typical situations.
Is there an age limit of 28?
No. The number 28 has no equivalent in German child benefit law. The age limits are 21 years for job seekers and 25 years for training, transition periods, missing training places and voluntary services. People searching for 28 often mix this up with other rules or with old guides.
An extension is only possible through periods of service. Under section 32 para. 5 EStG, the limits of 21 and 25 years are extended by the length of statutory basic military service or civilian service, a voluntary military service of up to three years, or work as a development worker. For basic military service and civilian service in Germany, the extension is limited to the statutory length of these services. Voluntary services such as the FSJ are not covered by this extension; they are listed as their own ground in number 2.
How much child benefit do you receive in 2026?
In 2026 child benefit is 259 euros per child and month (section 66 EStG, last updated October 2026). That makes 3,108 euros per child per year. The government draft of the Income Tax Reform Act 2027 plans 267 euros for 2027. This amount has not yet been adopted, so it does not apply today.
Calculation example. Assumption: you are 23, you study for a first degree and the benefit is paid for the whole year. Then 259 euros times 12 months gives 3,108 euros per year. Who receives the money depends on whether your parents or you are the eligible person. The next section covers this.
Which proof does the family benefit office need?
The Familienkasse of the Federal Employment Agency asks for proof of training and studies. According to the Federal Employment Agency, for a degree the following applies:
- Start of studies: proof, for example an enrolment certificate. No separate proof is needed for each semester.
- Continuation of studies: only on written request, for example with a study certificate that states the number of semesters.
- End of studies: studies end when the examination result is announced. You must prove this date with a document.
- Form: only copies are submitted, not originals. You report changes online through the service “Änderungen mitteilen” (report changes), or by post or fax.
The family benefit office also checks the claim on its own every two years. It is therefore worth keeping the documents carefully and answering letters from the office within the deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Do I lose child benefit if I take a break between two courses of study?
Between two training sections, the law recognises a transition period of at most four months. A longer gap can end the claim. If you plan a break, discuss it with the family benefit office before it starts. This avoids queries and possible repayment demands.
Do I have to submit a new certificate every semester?
No. According to the Federal Employment Agency, no separate proof is required for each semester. If the family benefit office asks for a study certificate, you must meet the deadline stated in the letter. Otherwise the processing can be delayed or the application rejected.
Does the claim also apply to a degree abroad?
This guide describes the rules for training and studies in general. The family benefit office decides on a case-by-case basis whether a degree abroad affects the claim. It is worth asking before you leave, so you can plan the documents and deadlines.
What changes after the end of my studies?
Studies end with the announcement of the examination result. You must prove this date. If you take up work, you also report the start and state the number of hours. After that, the family benefit office decides whether another ground applies, for example a transition period or job-seeking registration up to the age of 21.
Do I receive child benefit myself once I am an adult?
Child benefit is usually paid to the eligible person. Section 74 EStG, however, allows exceptions: child benefit can be paid to the child if the eligible person does not meet the maintenance obligation or owes only a lower maintenance. Payment can also be made to the person who provides maintenance to the child. Our guide on child benefit for students explains the application process.
Is a copy of the enrolment certificate enough?
Yes. The family benefit office accepts only copies, not originals. Still, keep the original in case the office later asks for further proof. The copy must be legible and show your name, the university and the semester.
What you should do now
- Check whether you fall into one of the groups in the table. If you are under 25 and in a first degree, that is the normal case.
- Collect the proof from the start of your studies, such as the enrolment certificate, and keep copies.
- Report changes such as the end of your studies, dropping out or starting work without delay through the online service.
- If you are unsure, ask the family benefit office before a deadline passes. The answer applies to your specific case.
Related reading
- Child Benefit for Students: Eligibility and Application
- Child Benefit Transition Period: Up to Four Months
- Child Benefit During Studies and Master’s: Rules and Limits
Sources: section 32 EStG, age limits for children (German Income Tax Act) (as of October 2026), section 66 EStG, amount of child benefit (as of October 2026), Federal Employment Agency: Kindergeld from age 18 (in German) (as of October 2026), Federal Employment Agency: submitting proof and certificates for Kindergeld (in German) (as of October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
