Many families living or working in Germany wonder whether it is possible to receive both German Kindergeld and the Polish 800 Plus child benefit at the same time. In many cases, the answer is yes.
The eligibility rules depend on several factors, including where the child lives, where the parents work, and which country has primary responsibility for paying family benefits under European Union coordination rules.
In this guide, we explain how Kindergeld and 800 Plus work together, who can apply, and what families should know before submitting their applications.
What Is Kindergeld?
Kindergeld is a German family benefit paid to parents or legal guardians to help cover the costs of raising children. It is administered by the German Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse).
In most cases, parents who work, run a business, or are subject to German social security contributions may be entitled to receive Kindergeld, even if their children live in another EU country.
What Is the Polish 800 Plus Benefit?
800 Plus (Rodzina 800 Plus) is a Polish child benefit program that provides financial support for families with children under the age of 18.
The benefit is currently set at 800 PLN per month per child and is not dependent on family income. It is administered by the Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).
Kindergeld and 800 Plus – How EU Coordination Rules Work
Germany and Poland are both members of the European Union. Therefore, family benefits are regulated by EU coordination rules designed to prevent overlapping payments while ensuring families receive the support they are entitled to.
These rules determine:
- Which country has primary responsibility for paying family benefits.
- Whether another country must pay a supplementary benefit.
- How benefits are coordinated when parents work in different countries.
The goal is to ensure that families do not lose benefits simply because they live and work across borders.
Can You Receive Kindergeld and 800 Plus at the Same Time?
Yes. Many families are legally entitled to receive both Kindergeld and the Polish 800 Plus benefit.
The exact amount depends on the family’s circumstances and which country is considered primarily responsible for family benefits. In many cases, families working in Germany while raising children in Poland receive German Kindergeld and continue to receive the Polish 800 Plus benefit as well.
Common Family Situations
Both Parents Work in Germany
If both parents are employed in Germany and their children live in Poland, the family may often qualify for:
- Full German Kindergeld.
- Full Polish 800 Plus payments.
This is one of the most common situations among Polish families working abroad.
One Parent Works in Germany, the Other Does Not Work in Poland
When one parent works in Germany and the other parent stays at home with the children in Poland, the family may still be eligible for both benefits.
The final decision depends on the individual assessment conducted by the relevant authorities in Germany and Poland.
One Parent Works in Germany and the Other Works in Poland
In this situation, EU coordination rules become especially important.
Since the child lives in Poland and one parent works there, Poland may have primary responsibility for paying family benefits. Germany may then pay a supplementary amount if the German entitlement is higher.
What Is a Differential Supplement?
A differential supplement (also known as a top-up payment) is an additional amount paid by the country whose family benefit is higher.
For example:
- The child lives in Poland.
- One parent works in Poland.
- The other parent works in Germany.
Poland pays the standard 800 Plus benefit, while Germany may pay the difference between the Polish benefit and the German Kindergeld entitlement.
This ensures that families receive the maximum benefit available under EU regulations.
Do You Need to Report 800 Plus to German Authorities?
Yes.
When applying for Kindergeld, you must inform the German Familienkasse about any family benefits received in Poland.
Likewise, Polish authorities should be informed about family benefits received from Germany.
Failing to report benefits may result in delays, reassessments, or repayment requests.
Can You Claim Kindergeld and 800 Plus Retroactively?
In some situations, yes.
Families who were entitled to benefits but did not apply on time may be able to receive back payments for previous periods, subject to the rules and deadlines applicable in each country.
The amount and period covered depend on the individual case.
Documents Usually Required
When applying for Kindergeld and 800 Plus, authorities may request:
- Children’s birth certificates.
- Proof of employment.
- Residence documents.
- Information about benefits received in another country.
- Tax and social security documents.
- Additional family status documentation if required.
Providing complete and accurate documents helps avoid processing delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kindergeld cancel the right to receive 800 Plus?
No. Receiving Kindergeld does not automatically exclude a family from receiving the Polish 800 Plus benefit.
Must the child live in Germany to receive Kindergeld?
No. Children may live in Poland or another EU country while a parent works in Germany.
Who pays the 800 Plus benefit?
The Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) is responsible for administering and paying the 800 Plus benefit.
Can I lose Kindergeld because I receive 800 Plus?
Not simply because you receive 800 Plus. However, all family benefits must be properly declared and coordinated according to EU regulations.
Conclusion
Kindergeld and the Polish 800 Plus benefit can often be received at the same time. The final entitlement depends on where the parents work, where the child lives, and how EU coordination rules apply to the family’s situation.
For many families living in Poland while working in Germany, combining Kindergeld and 800 Plus can provide significant financial support throughout the year.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, it is important to review your individual circumstances and submit complete applications to the relevant authorities. Proper coordination can help ensure that your family receives all benefits to which it is legally entitled.