Edit Kindergeld Application Form (KG 1) online free, or download the PDF
Application for Child Benefit (Kindergeld form KG 1)
Step 1: the official PDF opens in a new tab. Save it with the download button, then come back to this page.
or drag the file onto this page
- ✓ Official current version
- ✓ Free download, no account
- ✓ No card, no trial
- ✓ Never uploaded
Kindergeld Application Form (KG 1) in short
KG 1 is the main application form for German child benefit (Kindergeld) at the Familienkasse. You add one Anlage Kind (child annex) for each child. From 1 January 2026 Kindergeld is 259 euros per child per month. You can also apply online at familienkasse.de, and an official English and German version of the form exists.
| Issued by | Familienkasse der Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA) |
|---|---|
| Current version | Stand 09/2025 (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | Parents or other entitled persons who claim Kindergeld for a child. If both parents live in the same household, the parent who both agree should receive the money applies. Another person or body with a legitimate interest, such as the youth welfare office, can also apply. |
| Who receives it | The Familienkasse of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) responsible for where you live. In special cases, for example federal public service employees, the Zentraler Kindergeldservice is responsible. |
| Where to send it | Fill it in fully, sign it and post it to your local Familienkasse. Find the address with the office search on familienkasse.de. The official leaflet says you cannot apply by phone or email. |
| Deadline | No fixed deadline. Kindergeld is paid back only for the last six months before the month the Familienkasse receives your application (section 70(1) EStG). |
| Fee | No fee. |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF · Official instructions |
What changed
The 2026 Kindergeld leaflet says Kindergeld is 259 euros per child per month from 1 January 2026. The current form is dated September 2025.
How to fill out Kindergeld Application Form (KG 1), line by line
| Header | Kindergeld number and number of child annexes Enter your Kindergeld number if you have one. State how many Anlage Kind forms you enclose. You need one for each child. |
| Section 1 | Details of the applicant Your German tax ID (Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer) is required if one has been issued. Add your name, date and place of birth, sex, nationality and address. |
| Section 1 | Nationality and family status If you hold another EU or EEA nationality, complete the Anlage EU. If you are not an EU, EEA or Swiss national, enclose your residence permit. Tick your family status. |
| Section 2 | Spouse, registered partner or other parent in your household Details of the person who lives with you, including their tax ID if issued. If the child's other parent does not live with you, give their details in the Anlage Kind. |
| Section 3 | Payment details IBAN, BIC and bank. State whether the account is yours or belongs to someone else. |
| Section 4 | Send the decision to someone else Only fill this in if the decision letter should go to another person, such as a tax adviser. |
| Section 5 | Children you already receive Kindergeld for First name, date of birth, and the Familienkasse with Kindergeld number for each child you already receive Kindergeld for. |
| Section 6 | Your other children for whom someone else receives Kindergeld Name the child, the person who receives the Kindergeld and their Familienkasse and Kindergeld number. |
| Signatures | Date and signature You sign yourself. For a minor, the legal representative signs. The person in section 2 signs if they agree that you receive the Kindergeld. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not enclosing an Anlage Kind. You need a separate one for each child.
- Leaving out the tax ID. It is a condition for the claim.
- Not signing, or a minor applying without the legal representative's signature.
- Forgetting the signature of the person in section 2 when they agree you should receive the money.
- Non EU, EEA or Swiss nationals not enclosing their residence permit.
- EU or EEA nationals forgetting the Anlage EU.
- Sending the form by email. The leaflet says this is not possible.
- Waiting too long. Back payment covers only six months before the month of receipt.
Questions about Kindergeld Application Form (KG 1)
How much is Kindergeld in 2026?
The official leaflet says 259 euros per child per month from 1 January 2026.
Is there a Kindergeld application form in English?
Yes. The Familienkasse offers a bilingual English and German version called KG 1-en, plus an English Anlage Kind.
Can I apply for Kindergeld online?
Yes, at familienkasse.de. With a BundID login it is fully electronic. Without electronic ID you print the online form, sign it and post it.
Do I need the Anlage Kind?
Yes, on paper you need one for each child. In the online application the child annex is already included.
How far back is Kindergeld paid?
Only for the last six months before the month the Familienkasse receives your application.
Where do I find my tax ID?
In the letter from the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt), on your payslip tax certificate or your tax assessment. Your child's tax ID is sent to the child's registered address after birth.
Related forms
Tools for this form
Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the Familienkasse der Bundesagentur für Arbeit or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
- https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/kg1-antrag-kindergeld_ba036550.pdf
- https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/familie-und-kinder/downloads-familie-und-kinder/formulare-kindergeld
- https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/merkblatt-kindergeld-kg2-fuer-2026_ba057307.pdf
- https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/kb1-e-antrag-kindegeld_ba034920.pdf
- https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/news/kindergeld-steigt-2026
- https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/impressum