how familiar are you with child benefits in your country? can you explain how they work?

The information gathered indicates that child benefits in Germany work as follows: Child benefit (Kindergeld) is a key government financial support for families, intended to help cover the basic needs and costs of raising children. It is paid monthly and is generally available for all children up to age 18. The benefit can be extended up to age 25 if the child is in education or training, or up to age 21 if the child is unemployed and registered as a jobseeker. The payment is made regardless of the parents' income. As of January 2025, child benefit has increased to 255 euros per month per child. There is also a child allowance (Kinderfreibetrag), which provides a tax allowance to reduce taxable income for families. In 2025, this allowance is 6,672 euros (3,336 euros per parent) plus an additional allowance for care and education needs, totaling 9,600 euros per child for tax relief purposes. Child benefit is paid to the parent with whom the child lives most of the time, and only one parent can receive the benefit. If parents are separated, the parent with the main custody usually receives the payment. The benefit must be applied for through the Family Benefits Office in Germany, with necessary documents such as birth certificates and tax identification numbers. The benefit is tax-free and helps offset the costs of maintenance, care, and education for children living in the household. There are also supplementary allowances for low-income families and additional relief for single parents. This is a general overview of how child benefits work in Germany in 2025.