Child Supplement (Kinderzuschlag) Ending: Is a New Application Needed?

The Familienkasse writes that the Kinderzuschlag payment period is ending soon. Is a new application required?

First, find the last month for which you were granted the payment.

What is a Kinderzuschlag Bescheid?

A Bescheid is a written decision from the authority. Kinderzuschlag is additional support for families with low incomes. The Familienkasse (family benefits office) makes the decision.

The "Bewilligungszeitraum" (approval period) is the duration for which the benefit is granted. It is usually six months. A new application is required for the next period. This is also called a "Folgeantrag" (subsequent application).

A reminder about the end of the period does not mean the benefit has been extended. This refers to a new application, not a review of a rejection.

What Does This Letter Say?

Pay attention to four points:

• Recipient: Are the name and Kindergeldnummer correct? The Familienkasse uses this number to find your file.
• Period: Until which month is the previous decision valid?
• Action: Is a new application needed, or are you missing documents for a previously submitted one?
• Response: What documents, deadlines, and contact methods are listed?

Compare the reminder with the previous decision. The date of the letter and the last month of the granted payment are different things.

Do I Need to Do Anything?

Yes, if you want to continue receiving Kinderzuschlag after the granted period ends. Submit a new application to your Familienkasse. Applying is free.

You can submit the application even before the current period ends. The new period will start no earlier than the previous one ends.

Prepare the requested supporting documents. Depending on your situation, you will need proof of income, housing costs, and assets. Assets include, for example, savings and other valuables that can be used.

Not all supporting documents are ready? You can submit the application now and send the missing documents later. Keep an eye on further letters from the Familienkasse.

Keep a copy of your application and proof of submission.

What are the Deadlines?

Note the last month of the granted payment. As a general rule, Kinderzuschlag is granted no earlier than the month the application is filed. Therefore, do not wait for another reminder.

For income calculation, the six months prior to the start of the new payment period are considered. This is particularly important when submitting a new application in advance.

The deadline for missing documents refers to a separate action. It does not replace submitting a new application. Check what exactly your letter requires.

What Happens If I Do Nothing?

Without a new application, the payment will not be automatically extended. A late application generally does not cover preceding months.

Another situation: an application was submitted on time, but processed later. If the benefit is approved, the Familienkasse may pay the amount due for the granted period.

First, determine when the previous grant expires. Then, find out if a new application or missing documents are required. Clarify any unclear requirements with your Familienkasse.

Sources

Sources verified on 2026-10-01.

• Federal Child Benefit Act, § 6a, paragraphs 7 and 8: Payment period and income
• Federal Employment Agency: Kinderzuschlag, application and payments
• Federal Government's Family Portal: application and missing documents
• Federal Service Portal: Kinderzuschlag, Deadlines section