Kindergeld and family benefits from Italy are an important topic for families who have a right to family benefits in Germany and Italy. The most important Italian benefit for children is Assegno Unico e Universale (AUU).
Can Kindergeld and Assegno Unico be received at the same time? When is the benefit paid by Germany and when by Italy? It mainly depends on where the parents work and where the children live.
Assegno Unico – Italian Family Benefit
Assegno Unico e Universale is a benefit paid by the Italian social security institution INPS for dependent children.
The amount depends mainly on the family’s ISEE and its individual circumstances. In 2026, the amount can vary depending on the ISEE level and applicable supplements. If there is no valid ISEE or the highest income threshold is exceeded, the benefit is paid at the minimum rate.
Kindergeld and Assegno Unico – Can Both Benefits Be Received?
Yes, in certain situations it is possible to have entitlement to benefits from both Germany and Italy.
However, this does not mean that the full amount of Kindergeld and the full amount of Assegno Unico can automatically be paid for the same period.
When a family has entitlement to family benefits in two EU countries, EU coordination rules apply. These rules determine which country has priority for paying the benefit. The second country may, in certain circumstances, pay the difference between the benefits.
When Can Benefits from Germany and Italy Both Be Paid?
For example, this may apply when:
- one parent works in Germany,
- the other parent works in Italy,
- the children live in Italy.
In such a situation, there may be entitlement to family benefits in both countries.
If entitlement in Italy is based on employment in Italy and the children live in Italy, Italy will generally have priority. Germany may then pay a supplementary amount if German benefits are higher and the conditions for a differential payment are met.
This is therefore not a case of receiving two full benefits, but rather of coordinating benefits between the two countries.
When Is Only Assegno Unico Paid in Italy?
If the family is connected only to the Italian social security system, for example:
- a parent works in Italy,
- the children live in Italy,
- there is no parallel entitlement to family benefits in Germany,
the family benefit is generally paid by Italy through Assegno Unico.
In such a situation, there is normally no basis for receiving German Kindergeld.
When Is Only Kindergeld Paid in Germany?
If there is entitlement to German family benefits and there is no competing priority entitlement in Italy, Kindergeld may be paid by Germany.
Kindergeld may also be paid when the children live in Italy and a parent works in Germany, provided the German requirements for Kindergeld are fulfilled. The fact that the children live abroad does not automatically exclude entitlement to Kindergeld.
Which Country Has Priority – Germany or Italy?
When determining which country has priority, the authorities primarily consider:
- where the parents work,
- where they are insured,
- where the children live,
- the employment situation of both parents.
If both parents work in different EU countries, the children’s country of residence may also be decisive.
For this reason, priority cannot be determined solely by looking at the family’s registered address.
Is a Differential Payment from Germany Possible?
Yes, in certain cases a differential payment (Differenzbetrag) may be possible.
If one country has priority for paying the family benefit but the benefit available in the second country would be higher, the second country may have to pay the difference.
However, this does not automatically apply in every case. Each situation must be assessed individually according to the EU coordination rules.
Kindergeld and Italy – Important Information
Anyone applying for Kindergeld should inform the Familienkasse about any entitlement to family benefits in Italy.
Depending on the individual case, the authorities may request documents concerning:
- the children,
- place of residence,
- parents’ employment,
- social insurance,
- benefits received in Italy.
Familienkasse also handles cross-border cases where children or family members live outside Germany.
Kindergeld and Assegno Unico – Main Situations
| Situation | Generally |
|---|---|
| Parents and children are connected only to Italy | Assegno Unico |
| Parents and children are connected only to Germany | Kindergeld |
| One parent works in Germany, the other in Italy, children live in Italy | Benefits from both countries may be possible, subject to priority rules |
| Parent works in Germany, children live in Italy, with no parallel entitlement in Italy | Kindergeld from Germany may be possible |
| Entitlement exists in both countries | One country may pay the main benefit and the other a possible differential payment |
Conclusion
Kindergeld and family benefits from Italy do not always mean that a family has to choose between one benefit and the other. In some situations, entitlement may exist in both countries, but EU rules determine which country has priority.
The most important factors are where the parents work, where they are insured and where the children live.
If there is entitlement to benefits in both Germany and Italy, the family cannot receive the full amount of both benefits for the same period. However, in certain cases, it is possible to receive a benefit from one country and a differential payment from the other.