(2022) When is my adult child's vocational training or education recognised?

For children over 18 and under 25, you will continue to receive child benefit and tax allowances if your child is in vocational or school education. Each month is checked individually to see if your child is in vocational training.

The vocational training can take place in Germany or abroad. It does not have to be a measure that is mandatory for a specific profession. It is more about acquiring knowledge and skills that are the basis for the desired profession.

Education includes attending a general school, a university of applied sciences or a university. Child benefit is also available during practical training, such as an apprenticeship or distance learning course. A doctorate following a degree, a traineeship, attending a master school, a language course abroad or an internship are also considered vocational training. An Au pair stay abroad is also considered vocational training if the accompanying language course comprises at least ten hours per week. “Work and Travel” programmes are usually not taken into account.

Practical training or university studies end when the exam results are announced in writing. You are entitled to child benefit for the last time in this month. If your child drops out of training or takes up full-time employment after the exams but before the results are announced, the entitlement ends immediately.

Even if your child works full-time alongside their studies, you are entitled to child benefit if your child is seriously pursuing their degree. The entitlement also exists for children doing voluntary military service.