People working in Germany whose children live in Hungary may be entitled to family benefits in both countries. However, this does not mean that they can receive full benefits from Germany and Hungary at the same time.
Family Benefits in Germany and Hungary
In Germany, the main family benefit for children is Kindergeld. Entitlement may arise, among other things, from employment and being covered by the German social security system.
In Hungary, one of the main family benefits is családi pótlék. Entitlement to this benefit may depend, among other things, on the child’s residence and on meeting the conditions set out in Hungarian law.
If a family has connections with both countries, EU rules on the coordination of family benefits apply.
Can You Receive Kindergeld and a Family Benefit from Hungary?
Yes, in some cases a family can receive benefits from both countries, but not as two full payments for the same period and the same child.
For example:
- one parent works in Germany,
- the other parent works in Hungary,
- the children live in Hungary.
In this situation, both countries may have a basis for paying family benefits. However, under EU rules, it must first be determined which country has priority.
If Hungary has priority, the family may receive the Hungarian benefit, while Germany may, in certain circumstances, pay a differential supplement if the German benefit is higher.
If Germany has priority, Kindergeld may be paid by Germany, while the Hungarian benefit may be reduced or otherwise taken into account.
What Determines Which Country Pays the Benefit?
The most important factors include:
- where the children live,
- where the mother works,
- where the father works,
- which country’s social security system the parents are covered by,
- whether the family is entitled to benefits in each country.
The situation is particularly relevant when one parent works in Germany, the other works in Hungary, and the children live in Hungary. In such cases, EU rules determine which country has priority.
Can You Receive a Supplement from Germany?
Yes. If Hungary has priority and pays the family benefit, Germany may, in certain circumstances, pay the difference between the German benefit and the benefit paid in Hungary.
However, this does not automatically mean that every family is entitled to such a difference. Each case is assessed individually by the competent authorities.
Summary
Kindergeld and Hungarian family benefits can be involved in the same case, but you cannot receive two full benefits for the same period and the same child.
When the parents work in Germany and Hungary, it is possible for one country to pay the primary benefit while the other pays a differential supplement.
For this reason, any family benefit received from Hungary should be reported when applying for Kindergeld. The Familienkasse will determine which country has priority and whether an additional payment is due.