Child Benefits
Also known as: Kindergeld (DE), Familienbeihilfe (AT), Kinderzulage (CH)
Child benefits are government payments that families receive for each child. For most families, it is a fixed part of their income — which is why we put it in the income category in BudgetHeld. But thinking long-term, it is the perfect opportunity to provide for your child's future. If possible: set aside as much as you can to give your child a head start in life.
How do you plan it in your budget?
Child benefits belong in your budget under income — it's regular, predictable money. Many families make the mistake of putting it in a savings account 'for the child' without accounting for it in the budget. That distorts the overview. Better: enter as income, and direct a portion specifically to 'Saving' or 'Investing' (e.g., a junior ETF savings plan for the child).
Germany: Kindergeld
In Germany, you receive Kindergeld for each child up to 18 years (up to 25 if in education/training). The amount is €250 per child per month (as of 2025), regardless of parental income. From 2026, amounts may change — check current values on the Familienkasse website. Paid monthly by the Familienkasse of the Federal Employment Agency. Additionally, there's a child tax allowance — the tax office automatically checks which is more beneficial.
Austria: Familienbeihilfe
In Austria, it's called Familienbeihilfe and is age-dependent. The older the child, the more you receive: from birth ~€120, from age 3 ~€130, from age 10 ~€150, from age 19 ~€175 per month (as of 2025). Plus the child tax credit of €67.80 per month per child, paid automatically with the Familienbeihilfe. With multiple children, sibling supplements apply — from the second child, the amount increases. Additionally, there's the Family Bonus Plus (up to €2,000 tax credit per child/year) and school start money (each September). Eligibility until 18, in education/training until 24.
Switzerland: Kinderzulage
In Switzerland, it's called Kinder- or Ausbildungszulage and is paid through the employer (via the family compensation fund). Amounts vary significantly by canton. Federal minimum: child allowance 200 CHF/month (up to 16), education allowance 250 CHF/month (16–25). Many cantons pay more: Zurich e.g. 200/250 CHF, Geneva 300/400 CHF, Valais 275/325 CHF. Agriculture has its own rates. Self-employed have different regulations depending on the canton.
BudgetHeld says
In BudgetHeld, you enter child benefits as a separate line under Income. For families and single parents, a default of €219 is suggested — adjust the amount to the current rate and number of your children. Tip: split the amount between 'Saving' (junior depot) and general household.
Related tools
Budget Tool — Income →Related Terms
Written by David El Dib — Financial expert & founder of MoneyTalk