Deutschland Kompass
STEP

Kindergeld: Updating Your Address for Child Benefit

After moving, notify the Familienkasse of your new address — otherwise payments will stop when letters can't be delivered.

WHAT TO DO

What is it and when to do it?

When you move, Kindergeld does not stop automatically — you only need to update your address with the Familienkasse (a division of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit). Do this as soon as you receive your Meldebescheinigung, so all letters and notices reach you at the correct address.

Where and how much does it cost?

Updating your address is free. Online: via the Bundesagentur für Arbeit portal in the Familienkasse section. By post: a letter to your Familienkasse with a copy of your Meldebescheinigung. Phone: 0800 4 5555 30 (free of charge). If you move to a different federal state, the responsible Familienkasse changes automatically.

Common mistakes

👨🏻‍💻
Max recommends:

Moved and didn't inform the Familienkasse. Two months later payments stopped — a letter requesting documents had been returned as undeliverable. Reinstatement took 6 weeks and three payments were delayed. Notify them in the first week after moving.

👩🏼‍💼
Lea recommends:

Thought the Anmeldung automatically updated the Familienkasse records. It doesn't — the Familienkasse has no access to the residents' register. They are completely separate databases and must be updated independently.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need to re-apply for Kindergeld when I move? ▾

No. Moving is not a reason to stop payments or submit a new application. You simply need to update your address with the Familienkasse. This can be done online via the Bundesagentur für Arbeit portal, by phone, or by letter.

How much is Kindergeld and how long is it paid? ▾

Since 2023: €250 per child per month, regardless of the number of children. Paid automatically until age 18, and up to age 25 if the child is in education, vocational training or actively seeking work. Special conditions apply if the child moves abroad.

What if I don't update my address and letters from the Familienkasse bounce back? ▾

The Familienkasse suspends payments when correspondence cannot be delivered. Reinstating them requires a request, address confirmation and can take 4–6 weeks. Missed payments are only made up after verification — a real cash-flow gap is possible.

OFFICIAL SOURCES