Field help: (2018) Children

Tick this box if you have underage children.

In order for an adult child to be included in your household, a child does not necessarily have to live permanently in your household. It is rather important that there is a family home that is used by the child and that you take responsibility for the welfare of the child. There must also be a family bond between you and the child.

This means that a disabled child living in a nursing home is also part of your household if you bring this child home from time to time. This also applies to children attending educational institutions (studies, professional training, etc.) or children who perform federal volunteer service, live abroad and regularly return to their parents' home. The child must stay in your home for at least six weeks a year.

Tip: If you are not entitled to child benefit or child tax allowances for an adult child, you can claim your maintenance payments for the child as exceptional costs (2016: 721 Euro per month) in the relevant months.