People working in Germany whose children live in Bulgaria may be entitled to German child benefit (Kindergeld). Receiving family benefits in Bulgaria does not always exclude the possibility of receiving payments from Germany. Everything depends on the parents’ employment situation, the child’s country of residence, and European Union rules on the coordination of family benefits.
Can You Receive Kindergeld and Family Benefits from Bulgaria at the Same Time?
Yes, in certain situations, a family may be entitled to family benefits in both countries. However, this does not automatically mean that the family can receive two full benefits for the same child and the same period.
EU rules determine which country is responsible for paying benefits first. The second country may be required to pay a differential supplement, meaning an additional payment if the benefit payable under its national rules is higher.
When Does Germany Pay Kindergeld, and When Does Bulgaria Pay Family Benefits?
1. One parent works in Germany, and the other does not work in Bulgaria
If entitlement to family benefits arises from a parent’s employment in Germany, Germany is generally responsible for paying the benefit first. The child may live in Bulgaria, and the family may still be entitled to Kindergeld.
2. One parent works in Germany, and the other works in Bulgaria
If the child lives in Bulgaria and one parent works there, Bulgaria generally has priority in paying family benefits. Germany may pay a differential supplement if the German benefit is higher than the benefit taken into account in the calculation.
3. Both parents work in Germany, and the child lives in Bulgaria
If entitlement to benefits arises from both parents’ employment in Germany, Germany is generally responsible for paying the benefit first. The fact that the child lives in Bulgaria does not automatically exclude entitlement to Kindergeld.
4. Neither parent works in Germany or Bulgaria
In this situation, other grounds for entitlement to benefits must be examined, including the family’s country of residence and the applicable national legislation. Having previously worked in Germany does not automatically guarantee entitlement to Kindergeld.
When Can You Receive Both Benefits, and When Can You Not?
The possibility of receiving benefits from Germany and Bulgaria depends on determining which country is responsible for paying them.
- You may receive benefits from both countries if the family is entitled to benefits in both states and, under the coordination rules, the second country is required to pay a differential supplement.
- You cannot freely receive two full benefits if EU rules give priority to one country and require the benefit from the other country to be coordinated accordingly.
- A supplement from Germany is not always payable. If there is no amount to be made up after entitlement has been assessed, a differential supplement may not be granted.
Receiving Bulgarian child benefits therefore does not automatically mean losing entitlement to Kindergeld, but it also does not guarantee additional payments from Germany.
How Much Is German Kindergeld in 2026?
In 2026, German Kindergeld amounts to €259 per month for each eligible child. For families receiving family benefits in Bulgaria, the amount of any additional payment depends on their individual circumstances and on determining which country is responsible for paying the benefits.
How Much Are Family Benefits in Bulgaria in 2026?
The amount of Bulgarian family benefits depends, among other things, on the number of children and the family’s income. The basic monthly child benefit rates in 2026 are:
- €25.57 – for one child;
- €56.25 – for two children;
- €84.37 – for three children;
- €89.48 – for four children;
- for each additional child, the amount increases by €10.23.
These are monthly amounts paid to the family, not amounts paid separately for each child in a larger family.
From 1 August 2026, the following income thresholds apply when determining entitlement to this benefit: families with an average monthly income of up to €415 per person may qualify for the full amount, while families with an income between €415.01 and €466 per person may qualify for 80% of the full amount. Other conditions under Bulgarian law also apply.
A separate benefit of €102.26 per month is available for children under one year of age, subject to its own eligibility requirements.
It is important to remember that the Bulgarian child benefit should not automatically be deducted from German Kindergeld. The competent authorities determine which country has priority in paying the benefit and whether a differential supplement is payable.
What Documents May Be Required for Kindergeld?
In cases involving family benefits from Bulgaria and Germany, the following documents may be required:
- a document confirming the child’s birth;
- documents relating to the parents’ employment;
- information about the child’s country of residence;
- decisions or certificates concerning family benefits received from Bulgaria;
- forms required by the German Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse).
It is important to declare any benefits received in Bulgaria and provide the information requested by the Familienkasse. This helps the authorities correctly determine entitlement to benefits and any additional payment.
Family Benefits from Bulgaria and German Kindergeld – Summary
If you work in Germany and your child lives in Bulgaria, it is worth checking whether you are entitled to German Kindergeld or a differential supplement. Entitlement depends on factors including the parents’ employment situation, the child’s country of residence, and EU rules coordinating family benefits.
Need help with your Kindergeld application? Contact us through kindergeld.eu to find out which options for German family benefits may apply to your situation.