Child benefit after graduation: Parents need to know that!

Child benefit after graduation: Parents need to know that!

14465 Potsdam, Deutschland - Parents pay attention! When school comes to an end and the transition to the next phase of the training is due, many are faced with questions about child benefit. On June 11, 2025, it is time to clarify some important points so that the flow of money for the family is still secured.

child benefit is usually obtained up to the age of 18. But what happens afterwards? According to Barnim Aktuell , a right to child benefit is also possible after the 18th birthday, provided that the child is in a school or vocational training, studying or also in an internship. It is particularly interesting that child benefit is paid between training sections even during a transition period of up to four months. This regulation applies, for example, to the period between school leaving certificate and the upcoming voluntary service or a new training.

transition times and their regulations

The transitional times that may be up to four months are an important aspect that parents should keep in mind. So quotes Haufe the § 32 Paragraph 4 No. 2b EStG. During this time, a child consists of tax relevant as long as it is actively trying to do a new training. This means that there is no interruption like an illness during this period, but really a forced break between training sections.
It is also interesting that employment does not automatically lead to loss of child benefit during this time, as long as it is a minor employment. This not only refers to the transition between school and training, but also between two training sections.

If you want to break the whole thing a little: a child who begins with the federal voluntary service after graduation in August 2020, for example, the period from April to July can claim as a transition period, as in the example (D) from the source Schuhmann . In this case, the parents remain supported for the maximum period of four months.

Important requirements for child benefit claims

In order to be able to maintain child benefit claims during the transitional times, the child's plans and application efforts must be carefully recorded. This includes the detection of applications or enrollment certificates. The online offer at Familienkasse.de It makes it easy to provide parents to transmit all the necessary information. In addition, no unemployment report at the employment agency is required during the transition period, which makes the matter easier for many parents and their children.

But the threat of payment defaults is real if children do not take care of a connection place promptly. A few most recent judgments have made it clear: If the period between training drops and new training positions exceeds the approved four months, the entitlement to child benefit is gone. And this applies not only to children under the age of 25, but until the age of 21 when the child reports. Parents are required to stay well informed here.

If you have any questions or need further details, the free hotline of the family fund can contact 0800 4 5555-30, which can be reached from Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. In summary, it is crucial to keep an eye on what an immense support also represents child benefit during transitional times. Whether school leavers or new students - with the right preparation, you can easily navigate through the transition and also stay financially on the safe side.