Anforderung von Nachweisen (Familienkasse, Kindergeld)
Familienkasse letter asking for proof (Kindergeld Nachweise): what to send
From: Your Familienkasse (child benefit office)
The Familienkasse is checking whether you still have a right to Kindergeld (child benefit). It asks you for proof, often because your child is 18 or older. The letter says what to send and by when.
Got this letter? Get your personal explanation.Take a photo. See your deadline, amount, and next steps, in your language. First letter free.Why you got this letter
- Your child turned 18. The Familienkasse needs proof of school, training, or study.
- Your child's training ended or changes, for example after an exam.
- Your child is between two training phases, or is looking for a job or a training place.
- A regular check. For students, the Familienkasse says it checks eligibility every two years.
- Your child lives abroad or was born abroad.
What to do
- 1Read the letter. Write down what proof is asked for and the deadline.
- 2Gather the documents. Examples named by the Familienkasse: training contract, school certificate (form KG 5a), Erklärung zum Ausbildungsverhältnis (form KG 5b), enrolment certificate, copy of an exam certificate, or an Erklärung for a child without a training or job place (form KG 11a).
- 3Send copies only, never originals. You can use the online service (Änderungen mitteilen), post, or fax.
- 4Sign the forms. Keep copies and proof that you sent them.
- 5If you cannot get a document in time, contact the Familienkasse before the deadline and explain.
- 6Report changes yourself and without delay, for example if training ends or your child moves abroad.
Deadline
The Familienkasse sets a due date in each letter. There is no fixed date that applies to every case. For children turning 18, the Familienkasse says proof sent six weeks before the 18th birthday keeps payments going without a gap.
If you do nothing
Your Kindergeld application can be delayed or rejected. For an existing claim, the Familienkasse must cancel or change the decision from the date a relevant fact changed (§ 70 EStG). You and your child have a legal duty to help (§ 68 EStG). The Familienkasse also says that a repayment claim that has become final can be enforced, for example against wages or bank accounts.
Can you object?
A letter asking for proof is not usually a decision you object to. If the Familienkasse then decides against you, you can file an Einspruch within one month after the decision was announced. Send it in writing to the Familienkasse, or declare it in person for the record (zur Niederschrift), according to the Familienkasse's Merkblatt (version July 2026). If it cannot agree, it issues an Einspruchsbescheid, and you can then sue at the Finanzgericht. The notice's Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung confirms the details for your case.
Words in this letter
- Familienkasse
- The office that pays Kindergeld.
- Nachweis
- Proof, for example a certificate.
- Mitwirkungspflicht
- Your duty to report changes and give proof when asked.
- Ausbildung / Studium
- Vocational training or university studies.
- Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer
- Your tax ID number. The Familienkasse needs yours and your child's.
Example reply
Send the proof the Familienkasse asked for.
Betreff: Ihr Schreiben vom [Datum] – Nachweise zum Kindergeld für [Name des Kindes]
Kindergeldnummer / Aktenzeichen: [Nummer aus Ihrem Schreiben]
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
mit Schreiben vom [Datum] haben Sie mich gebeten, bis zum [Frist] Nachweise zum Kindergeld für mein Kind [Name des Kindes], geboren am [Geburtsdatum], einzureichen.
Anbei erhalten Sie Kopien folgender Unterlagen: [zum Beispiel: Ausbildungsvertrag, Studienbescheinigung für das [Semester], Erklärung zum Ausbildungsverhältnis (KG 5b)].
Bitte bestätigen Sie mir den Eingang.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
[Unterschrift]
[Vor- und Nachname]
[Anschrift]Show English translation
Subject: Your letter dated [date] – proof for Kindergeld for [child's name] Kindergeld number / reference: [number from your letter] Dear Sir or Madam, In your letter dated [date] you asked me to send proof for the Kindergeld for my child [child's name], born on [date of birth], by [deadline]. Enclosed you will find copies of the following documents: [for example: training contract, enrolment certificate for [semester], declaration on the training relationship (KG 5b)]. Please confirm receipt. Kind regards [Signature] [Full name] [Address]
Questions people ask
Can I send the originals?
No. The Familienkasse says to send copies only, never originals.
My child finished training. What do I send?
The Familienkasse names one of these: an Erklärung zum Ausbildungsverhältnis (KG 5b), a copy of the exam certificate (you may black out grades), or a confirmation from the training company. For other situations, such as a job search or a second training, other forms apply. Check the letter.
How long does Kindergeld continue for an adult child?
It depends on the situation. The Familienkasse says, for example, that for a child who is looking for a job, Kindergeld generally lasts only until age 21, and that you must show registration as a job seeker. Other situations, such as studies, a gap between training phases or volunteer service, have their own rules. Check the Familienkasse website for your case.
What if I do not have the document?
Contact the Familienkasse before the deadline. Tell them what is missing and why, and send what you have. The Familienkasse says missing proof can delay or reject an application.
Sources
- Familienkasse: Nachweise und Bescheinigungen einreichen
- Familienkasse: Kindergeld nach der Ausbildung
- § 68 EStG (Besondere Mitwirkungspflichten)
- Familienkasse: Merkblatt Kindergeld KG 52-ju (Stand Juli 2026), Frage 14 (Einspruch)
Updated 2026-10-20. This page explains a common type of letter; it is not legal advice. Your letter may differ, so check its dates and amounts.