Some parents have probably been asking themselves for weeks: Where is the child bonus? Where are the more than 100 euros that have been paid out for children in recent years? Corresponding posts are making the rounds on social media. The answer, however, is clear.
Children’s bonus and children’s leisure bonus: Who gets it?
In 2020, according to the Federal Employment Agency, parents received additional money for each child who was entitled to child benefit for at least one month during this period. so-called child bonusAt the time, it was paid out because the pandemic made life difficult, especially for families. A year later, another 150 euros was available.
In addition, during the early days of the pandemic, there was the possibility of applying for the “children’s leisure bonus”: This was intended to support children and young people from needy families as well as families with low incomes. As the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth explains, these 100 euros could be used by those affected pursue individual holiday and leisure activities.
Child bonus: What is it used for?
When energy prices rose sharply in 2022, the federal government decided to pay out the child bonus again – as part of the relief package that had been agreed. It was again 100 euros. Federal Statistical Office found that more than every second household used the child bonus for consumption purposes. In the majority of cases (up to 79 percent), durable consumer goods were purchased. These include clothing and shoes, but also furnishings, for example.
But since circumstances have changed again, both bonus payments have expired.
Will there be a child bonus in 2024?
The Federal Employment Agency provides a clear answer to the question of whether there will be a child bonus or child leisure bonus in 2024. It informs on its homepage: “According to current legal regulations, there will be no child bonus or child leisure bonus in 2024, contrary to current false reports on social media.” It also points out that the agency’s family allowance office will continue to pay out child benefit and child supplement “as usual”. These are among the subsidies that parents can still apply for.
What subsidies will be available for children in 2024?
Even in 2024, parents will still have some options to get financial help from the state for their children – for example through child benefit or child supplement. Federal Government promises greater relief for families in 2024 and cites, among other things, the increased child supplement and higher child tax allowance, more maintenance advances for single parents and the fact that the number of child sick days has been increased.
By the way: Child benefit is also set to be history by 2025. Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus (Greens) wants to introduce basic child benefit, which means that, according to her initial information, there will be 530 euros for the youngest children and up to 636 euros for older children.
