Kindergeld vs. "Family 800+"

The “Family 800+” programme is designed to support families with the costs of raising a child. It is a childcare benefit which, from 01.01.2024, amounts to PLN 800 per month instead of PLN 500 and is granted for every child up to the age of 18, regardless of family income. Applications are submitted electronically only to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).

If at least one parent starts gainful employment in Germany, the family is entitled to Kindergeld of €250.00 per child up to the age of 18, and up to 25 if in education. From 1 January 2025 this increases to €255.00 per child per month.

These benefits are coordinated with a strict order of priority. The country where a parent works always has priority. Receiving 800+ and Kindergeld at the same time is possible but depends on the parents’ employment status and the children’s residence. If one parent works in Poland and the other in Germany, ZUS pays 800 plus and Germany pays only the difference to the German benefit (the differential supplement). If, however, one parent is not working and the other works in Germany, it may be possible to receive both 800 plus and the full German Kindergeld.

It is therefore in the interest of anyone receiving benefits from Germany to apply for both Kindergeld and 800 plus for all minor children (and for Kindergeld for all children in education) to ensure the maximum overall amount – either in full from one country or split as a reduced amount from one country plus a differential supplement from the other.