German pension and social security benefits boost for parents with two children

In Germany, parents who raise two children receive additional credit in the statutory pension system. Up to three years of child‑raising time per child is counted as compulsory contribution periods, giving roughly six extra entitlement years. With the current pension value of €40.79 per point, this translates to about €245 extra gross pension per month for two children born after 1992 (or around €204 for earlier births).

From 1 July 2026, the new Grundsicherung (basic security) also provides a supplemental “Mehrbedarf” for single parents. The amount depends on the number and age of children, ranging from €67.56 for one child up to a maximum of €337.80 per month for five or more children. A common calculation mistake can cost a single parent up to €135 each month, as the second, higher‑valued calculation method often applies beyond the age‑16 cutoff.

Both measures aim to offset income loss caused by childcare responsibilities and to ensure that parents and single parents are not financially disadvantaged.