06.01.2025
Several changes will affect families in 2025: These include increases in child benefit, child supplement, minimum child support, and child tax allowance. Name laws will also be modernized, allowing married couples to choose a double surname combining both partners' family names starting in May 2025. Children will also be able to receive such double surnames.
Children's package for a good upbringing
In 2025, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs will have €14.44 billion at its disposal – an increase of €570 million. This funding will be used to specifically strengthen children, families, and democracy in our country. The federal government is investing more money in combating child poverty and improving childcare infrastructure.
Child supplement supports families with low incomes
The child supplement supports single parents and low-income families. It is additional financial support for working parents who earn enough for themselves, but whose income is insufficient or barely sufficient to cover all of their family's needs. Parents and guardians can apply online.
The child supplement currently amounts to up to €292 per month per child and, together with child benefit, covers a child's basic needs. Those receiving the child supplement are also entitled to benefits for education and participation and can be exempt from daycare fees.
Approximately €3.3 billion has been budgeted for the child supplement for low-income families in 2025. The substantial increase in the budget for the child supplement (around €1.15 billion) results from a significant recent rise in the benefit's use. From 2025 onwards, both child benefit and the immediate child supplement will increase by €5 per child per month.
Child benefit will be increased by five euros per child per month
Child benefit is one of the most important benefits for families in Germany. It reaches families directly and thus contributes to their financial relief. Parents who live in Germany and are subject to unlimited income tax liability receive child benefit as a tax credit according to Section 62 et seq. of the Income Tax Act (EStG).
Child benefit is paid regardless of income and currently amounts to €250 per child per month. From 2025, both child benefit and the immediate child supplement will increase by €5 per child per month.
Child tax allowance and minimum child support payments are also increasing
The child tax allowance is now increasing by €60 per year. From 2026, it will be legally ensured that child benefit and the child tax allowance continue to increase simultaneously. The child tax allowances serve to ensure that children's basic living expenses are tax-free. For some parents, the child tax allowances are more advantageous than child benefit. As part of the annual income tax assessment, the tax office checks whether the child tax allowances or the child benefit paid out are more beneficial for the parents. This check is carried out automatically and does not need to be requested.
From January 1, 2025, the minimum monthly child support payment will be slightly increased in all age groups: for children up to five years old from 480 to 482 euros, for children from six to eleven years old from 551 to 554 euros, for children from 12 to 17 years old from 645 to 649 euros, for adult children from 689 to 693 euros.
Childcare costs can be more easily deducted from taxes
Previously, parents and guardians could deduct two-thirds of childcare costs for each child under 14 living in their household. From 2025, families can now claim 80 percent of these costs as special expenses. The maximum deductible amount for childcare costs will then be €4,800. Previously, the maximum was €4,000.
Naming law is being modernized
From May 2025, married couples can choose a joint double surname that combines the family names of both partners. Children can also receive such double surnames, even if the parents themselves do not have a double surname.
When two people marry (e.g., Ms. Arnheim and Mr. Bauer), they should be able to choose a double surname as their married name, composed of both of their family names (e.g., Arnheim-Bauer or Bauer-Arnheim – with or without a hyphen). Children of the couple should receive this double surname as their birth name.
Name chains are excluded
Parents should also be able to give their children a double surname even if they themselves do not have one – regardless of whether they are married. This is not currently possible. Under current law, only one spouse can have a double surname; children cannot receive double surnames derived from both parents' names. Name chains (e.g., Arnheim-Bauer-Lüdenscheid) will continue to be prohibited: A double surname acquired through marriage or birth may only be formed from a maximum of two names.
Source: Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, website , December 5, 2024; Federal Ministry of Justice, website , January 6, 2025