Expenditures for the child supplement have risen from 302 million to 3.28 billion euros since 2015, an increase of 986 percent. At the same time, the number of beneficiaries has more than octupled, growing from 73,814 to 593,879, reported the “Bild” (Friday issue) citing figures from the Federal Employment Agency for BSW.
The payments to beneficiaries with foreign citizenship increased from 97.7 million euros (32.4 percent) to 1.67 billion euros (51 percent), more than 17 times higher. These payments do not necessarily relate to transfers abroad.
The Familienkasse and the Ministry for Family Affairs cited political reforms, easier access requirements, and higher allowances as causes. The maximum child supplement increased from 140 to 297 euros per month per child since 2015. By the end of 2025, more than 1.45 million children received this additional state aid.
The Ministry for Family Affairs assesses the increase positively. A spokesperson told the newspaper that it is a good sign that more and more families are aware of their entitlement and are being supported precisely.
Katja Kipping, former head of Die Linke and currently managing director of the Paritätischer Gesamtverband, also welcomed the development. She stated that the significantly increased utilization of the child supplement is politically desired and worthy of commendation.
The authorities could not specify how much of the increase is due to political reforms and how much is due to the economic difficulties of the families, according to the newspaper’s inquiry.
