Child benefit for adult children with a disability

A child over the age of 18 is taken into account for child benefit (Germany) if, “because of a physical, mental or psychological disability, they are unable to support themselves”. The requirement is that the disability occurred before the age of 25. ^{[1, para. 4 sentence 1 no. 3]}

According to the statute text of 08.10.2026, child benefit is 259 euros per month for each child. ^[2] It must be applied for at the competent family benefits office (Familienkasse). ^[3] Whether the requirements are met in an individual case is checked by the Familienkasse; this entry only explains the wording of the law. In detail: Child benefit for adult children with a disability. Legal status: 08.10.2026; applies to Germany; not legal advice.

Sources and literature

1. § 32 EStG – Kinder, Freibeträge für Kinder (Abs. 4 Satz 1 Nr. 3). https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/estg/__32.html.
2. § 66 EStG – Höhe des Kindergeldes, Zahlungszeitraum (Abs. 1). https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/estg/__66.html.
3. § 67 EStG – Antrag. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/estg/__67.html.