(2023) 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. It is checked monthly whether your child is undergoing 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 stay abroad or an internship are also considered vocational training. An Au pair stay abroad is 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 examination result is announced in writing. In this month, you are entitled to child benefit for the last time. 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 applies to children doing voluntary military service.