Germany approves automatic child benefit without application

The German Bundestag approved a draft law that will make child benefit (Kindergeld) payable automatically, eliminating the need for parents to submit an application. The measure is presented as a major step to cut bureaucracy and speed up support for families in the weeks after a birth.

The law introduces a two‑stage rollout. The first stage, expected to start in March 2027, will apply to families receiving benefit for a second child, using data already held by the family insurance. The second stage will extend the automatic payment to first‑born children by November 2027, provided the state knows at least one parent’s bank account (IBAN). Data will be exchanged automatically between civil registries, the Federal Central Tax Office and the family insurance.

Current child benefit is €259 per month per child and is slated to rise to €272 by 2028 in two steps. The legislation also aims to modernise the digital administration of the benefit. The Bundesrat must still give its consent before the law can take effect.