You can receive Kindergeld while your child works full-time, provided they are in their first stage of vocational training – in this situation, the 20-hour limit does not apply. If the child’s current school is their second professional qualification (e.g., following a completed apprenticeship or a previous degree), the 20-hour weekly limit applies. Many parents working in Germany worry that if their child takes a job, the Familienkasse will immediately stop the benefit. However, reality is more complex. Keeping your benefits depends primarily on your child’s educational status and their working hours.
1. Children Under 18 – No Limits
If your child is under 18, the situation is straightforward. They can work any number of hours (e.g., summer or part-time jobs) and earn any amount. At this stage, their income and working hours have no impact on your Kindergeld payments.
2. First Education (Erstausbildung)
As long as the child is in the process of obtaining their first professional qualification (vocational school, technical college, or a first Bachelor’s/Master’s degree continued without a gap), they can work without any hourly or income limits. Even a full-time job will not result in losing the benefit during this stage.
3. Further Education (Zweitausbildung) and the “20-Hour Limit”
If the child has already completed one professional qualification and continues further education on a second level, the rules change. A 20-hour weekly limit comes into effect. Exceeding this limit usually results in the loss of the benefit.
NOTE: Summer Jobs Can Be “Full Time”!
The 20-hour limit is calculated as an annual average. This means that during semester breaks or summer holidays, a student can work full-time (e.g., 40h/week) as long as the annual average remains within the allowed 20-hour limit.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to report my child’s job to the Familienkasse? Yes. Any employment of an adult child (over 18) must be reported to the office. Failure to do so may lead to a “Reclaim Decision” (Rückforderung) for benefits paid in the past.
My child works abroad (e.g., in another EU country) – is this visible in Germany? Yes. Through the EESSI system (Electronic Exchange of Social Security Information), German authorities exchange data with other EU member states and can see the professional activity of your children abroad.
I lost Kindergeld due to my child’s job – what is the real loss? For adult students, Kindergeld is often the only family benefit available (as many national benefits in other countries expire at age 18). Losing it means a direct loss of approximately €3,000 per year in the household budget.
Does a “Minijob” count towards the 20-hour limit? A Minijob (Geringfügige Beschäftigung) usually does not negatively affect your right to Kindergeld, even during further education (Zweitausbildung).
Book a Free Consultation – We will check if your child’s education is considered a first or second stage and help you avoid costly repayment demands from the Familienkasse.