Claim child benefit (Kindergeld) in Rostock

Families living in Rostock can claim Kindergeld — a monthly payment per child from the Familienkasse, paid until at least 18 (longer if the child is studying). You apply online, but you'll need each child's tax ID, which is posted automatically after the birth or your registration.

⏱️A fixed monthly payment per child — check the current rate on the Familienkasse site. Can be backdated up to 6 months, so apply even if delayed.

💡Kindergeld is a monthly payment per child from the Familienkasse, paid until at least 18 — check the current rate on the Familienkasse site. You apply online — no office visit — but you need each child's own tax ID, which is posted automatically after birth or registration. It can be backdated up to six months, so still apply even if you're late.

What you need to bring

• Passport or ID of the applying parentRequired

  📋 Bring the original, not a copy

  How to get it: Issued by your home country. Renew at your country's embassy or consulate in Germany — appointments can take weeks, so check the expiry early.

• Child's birth certificateRequired

  📋 Bring the original, not a copy

  How to get it: For a child born in Germany: the Standesamt of the birthplace issues it (the hospital sends the paperwork). For Elterngeld, ask for the special 'für Elterngeld' copy. Foreign certificates may need a certified translation.

• Tax IDs — yours and the child'sRequired

  The child's Steuer-ID arrives by post after birth registration

  How to get it: Mailed automatically ~2–3 weeks after your first Anmeldung. Lost it? Find it on a payslip or tax assessment, or request it again from the BZSt online.

• MeldebescheinigungRequired

  📋 Bring the original, not a copy

  How to get it: You receive it at your Anmeldung appointment at the Bürgeramt. Lost it? Request a new copy at the Bürgeramt (small fee, often bookable online).

• Completed Kindergeld application (KG1)Required

  Apply online via the Familienkasse (Arbeitsagentur) portal

• Residence permit (non-EU parents)If applicable

  📋 Bring the original, not a copy

  How to get it: Issued by the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) of your city after your application appointment. Renewals: apply well before expiry — slots are scarce.

Kindergeld-Antrag (KG 1)

Can you do it online?

Kindergeld can be applied for online via the Familienkasse portal — no office visit needed.

Useful links

What usually comes next

Good to know

• Apply online via the Familienkasse (Arbeitsagentur) portal — no office visit needed.
• You need the child's own tax ID and yours; if the child's hasn't arrived by post, request it before applying to avoid rejection.
• Kindergeld can be backdated by up to six months, so a late application still pays — don't skip it because you missed the birth window.
• If you also take parental leave, look at Elterngeld (parental allowance) alongside Kindergeld — they're separate benefits you can claim together.

Frequently asked questions

Checklist last verified 2026-06-11. Rules vary by office and change over time — always confirm with the official source linked above.