Money is often tight when studying, which is why financial support such as child support is essential for many students. In this article, you will find out under which conditions you can receive child support during your studies, whether it counts towards student support (BAföG) and which special regulations apply to part-time jobs, dual study programmes or a stay abroad.
Entitlement to child support during your studies
As long as you are under 25 years old, you can receive child support as a student - but not directly, but via your parents. They are entitled to 255 € a month in child support for each child, provided the child is in education and does not earn more than a certain amount.
In general, the child must continue to live with their parents and fulfil the following requirements (depending on age) in order to receive child support
Under the age of 18: Always entitled.
Under the age of 21: If the child is unemployed or looking for work.
Under the age of 25: If the child is in training/studying, looking for an apprenticeship or doing voluntary service.
Over the age of 25: If the child is unable to care for themselves due to a disability, for example.
How much is the child support?
The monthly child support of 255 € per child provides support for the basic needs of your children. Although the money goes to your parents, you can have it transferred to you as part of maintenance.
It is also possible for your parents to receive supplementary child allowance.
BAföG and child support: Is both possible? Yes!
Many students ask themselves whether they can receive BAföG and child support at the same time if they have children. The answer is yes.
Regardless of whether it is child support that your parents receive for you or you receive for your own children, child support is earmarked by law so that you can receive both at the same time. Even if you receive the maximum BAföG rate, your child support remains unaffected. It is therefore possible to fully utilise the financial support from both benefits. You can find out what else you are entitled to as a mother during your studies in our article on support during pregnancy.
Do you want to calculate your school or student BAföG and apply for it directly? With our BAföG calculator from LeistungsLotse, you can quickly and easily check whether and how much BAföG you are entitled to and send your application directly to us. Check now!
Child support during a dual study programme or a stay abroad
Your parents can also receive child support during a dual study programme, even if you are already receiving a salary. The dual study programme is regarded as initial training, which means you can continue to receive the 255 € per month.
If you are planning to study abroad, you will retain your entitlement to child support as long as your main place of residence is in Germany or another EU country. If you study outside the EU and enrole there, you will no longer be entitled to child support.
Child support and part-time job: What applies during your studies?
If you have a part-time job during your studies, you can continue to receive child support. The decisive factor is that you do not work more than 20 hours per week during the lecture period in order to maintain your status as a full-time student. However, you can work more during the semester break without losing your entitlement. It is therefore possible to earn money through a part-time job in addition to child support.
Conclusion
Child support and BAföG are an important financial support during your studies and complement each other ideally. You can receive child support both as a parent and as a child through your parents without it being counted towards BAföG. It is particularly important to submit all applications in good time and to check the relevant requirements in order not to miss any payments.
Do you want to calculate your school or student BAföG and apply for it directly? With our BAföG calculator from LeistungsLotse, you can quickly and easily check whether and how much BAföG you are entitled to and send your application directly to us. Check now!