Child benefit is generally paid to one parent. For adult children, it can continue during a first vocational qualification until age 25. A serious search for a training place may also be taken into account; applications and responses from companies can help document the search. While training is in progress, a certificate from the training provider or school usually shows the training status. After a first vocational qualification has been completed, additional limits on employment apply to adult children. Tell the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse) about changes such as starting, ending, or changing training. It will then check whether the requirements are still met. Child benefit is not training pay and does not automatically cover the costs of training.
The Family Benefits Office and vocational training in Germany
During a first vocational qualification, the Family Benefits Office can usually continue paying child benefit for adult children until their 25th birthday. A serious search for a training place may also be taken into account if it is documented.
Tip
Treat child benefit as a possible contribution to the parent’s household, not as guaranteed training pay. The key is whether the Family Benefits Office can verify the training status and relevant changes.