Parents generally receive child benefit. They can use it to support the trainee; if they provide no or insufficient maintenance, the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse) may, under certain conditions, pay the child benefit directly to the adult child. A training allowance and child benefit are not mutually exclusive. BAB can also be received alongside child benefit if the requirements are met. The Federal Employment Agency calculates BAB based on needs and takes into account, among other things, the trainee’s own income and, where applicable, their parents’ or partner’s income. Housing benefit is governed differently: people living alone who are basically eligible for BAB or BAföG are usually excluded, even if no payment is made. The assessment may differ in mixed households. For school-based training, student BAföG may be more relevant depending on the type of school; BAB is generally not paid for it. Apply for appropriate benefits early, since BAB and housing benefit are generally considered only from the application month.
Combining benefits before vocational training in Germany
Child benefit can usually continue during a first vocational training program until the child’s 25th birthday. It can be combined with the trainee’s own training allowance and, if the requirements are met, vocational training assistance (Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe, BAB). Anyone also applying for housing benefit should note that basic eligibility for BAB usually rules out housing benefit.
Tip
Treat child benefit as possible support, but do not assume it will automatically be paid to you or cover all training costs. First check which benefits fit your type of training and who actually receives the child benefit.