Moving between federal states of Germany: algorithm of actions for Ukrainians with the status of §24 AufenthG

Moving to another federal state in Germany for parents with children is a procedure that requires careful paperwork, especially if the family receives state benefits. Kindergeld and Elterngeld family benefits remain valid, but only if a number of formalities are met. Ignoring at least one of them can lead to a delay in calculations or even loss of the right to payment. Despite this, the very fact of moving is not an obstacle, because legal status, clear compliance with the procedure and timely notification of the relevant services guarantee financial continuity.

Two different support mechanisms: what are Kindergeld and Elterngeld

First of all, it is worth distinguishing between these two programs. Kindergeld is a universal monthly child benefit, which in 2025 amounts to €255. It is paid up to the age of 18, and under certain conditions up to 25. The amount does not depend on the parents’ income, and the responsible body is the Familienkasse at the Federal Employment Agency.

At the same time, Elterngeld is a compensatory payment that partially covers the lost income of one of the parents after the birth of a child. The amount varies from 300 to 1,800 euros per month, depending on previous earnings. Available in Basic Elterngeld (12-14 months) and Elterngeld Plus (up to 28 months) formats. This program is administered at the level of the federal states – separately in each state via the Elterngeldstellen. Both benefits are available to Ukrainians who have temporary protection status (§24 AufenthG). Starting from 2022, neither a work permit nor a long period of stay in Germany is required to obtain them.

The first step is to resolve the residence restriction

When planning a move, you should first of all understand the Wohnsitzauflage — a restriction on living in a specific region. If you receive Bürgergeld or other social benefits, a change of residence requires approval from the Ausländerbehörde. The explanation must be convincing – work, study, medical treatment, family reunification, etc. Obtaining a permit usually takes two to three months, so the issue should be resolved in advance.

As soon as the permission is received, you need to sign out from the previous place, and after moving – no later than two weeks – register at the new address (Anmeldung). This registration confirmation (Meldebestätigung) is mandatory for further actions, in particular for the reissuance of Kindergeld and Elterngeld.

Reissuance of Kindergeld: algorithm of actions

If you have not yet received Kindergeld, you must submit a new application to the Familienkasse in your new federal state. The basic form is KG1, to which the Anlage Kind supplement is added. The package of documents must include:

• a copy of the residence permit (§24),
• Meldebestätigung from a new address,
• Steuer-ID of parents and child,
• child’s birth certificate.

It is important to remember that payments can be received a maximum of six months in arrears. That is, every day of delay is a potential loss of real money.

If Kindergeld has already been issued at the previous address, a written or online notification to the Familienkasse about the change of residence is sufficient. The payment is not stopped, and the case is automatically transferred to the new region. The main thing is to make sure that the account number to which the funds are received has not changed.

How to act with Elterngeld: specifics of land liability

Elterngeld is not a federal program, but the competence of each individual state. After moving, you will have to contact the Elterngeldstelle that serves your new address. There is no universal database, so you need to independently find the contact of the relevant department and fill out the regional form – either in paper form or through the ElterngeldDigital portal.

The package of documents includes:

• a special copy of the birth certificate for Elterngeld,
• copies of certificates §24,
• Registration confirmation,
• income certificates for the last 12 months or a decision to grant Bürgergeld,
• IBAN for payments.

The new income limits (200,000 euros, and from April 2025 – 175,000 euros) do not apply to all applicants, but it is worth considering: if these amounts are exceeded, the right to the payment is lost.

If you already receive Elterngeld, then within a week after moving, it is enough to send a letter to the current office with the new address and the case number (Aktenzeichen). Usually, your case is automatically transferred to the authority in the place of new residence, and you will not need to submit a new application. But the continuity of registration must be preserved — this is the main condition for avoiding the suspension of payments.

Typical mistakes and risks

Most often, parents of children make several mistakes. The first is the delay with Anmeldung. A delay of up to six months is permissible for Kindergeld, but only three months for Elterngeld. After this period, the compensation is lost.

The second typical problem is the lack of a child’s Steuer-ID. This number is sent by mail after registration at the address. Due to inattention, parents may perceive the letter as an advertisement and throw it away, which will lead to difficulties when submitting an application.

The third risk is long silence after moving. If the new address is not reported, the documents may “hang” in the old department. As a result, the money will not come, and you will have to spend additional time to restore the case.

And finally, be sure to take into account that Kindergeld and Elterngeld are intended only for those who live in Germany. If you leave the country, payments will stop. But moving within the state is not a problem if all the conditions are met: reregistration of the address, notification of institutions and preservation of legal status.

Therefore, the change of federal land in Germany is not the end of aid, but the beginning of a new round of registration. Family benefits are not automatically canceled: on the contrary, mechanisms for maintaining continuity are laid down in the legislation. The more informed and prepared you are, the less likely you are to lose money. Attention to detail, timely registration and strict adherence to instructions are real guarantees that financial support for parents will remain stable even after the move.