German Fiscal Court says rescue paramedic training does not cut child benefit

The German Federal Fiscal Court (Bundesfinanzhof) ruled that a three‑month rescue paramedic (Rettungssanitäter) training does not qualify as a "first professional training" under the child benefit (Kindergeld) law. Because the programme lasts less than a year, it does not trigger the 20‑hour work‑hour rule that would normally end Kindergeld payments for a full‑time job after an initial training.

The decision, issued on 22 April 2026 (case III R 7/24), confirms that families may continue receiving Kindergeld even if the adult child takes a temporary full‑time position after completing the short rescue‑paramedic course, until a new qualifying training of at least one year begins. The ruling resolves a dispute where a father’s claim for Kindergeld was initially denied by the family‑benefits office after his daughter completed the rescue‑paramedic training and worked full‑time before starting a longer emergency‑paramedic programme.