Jobcenter: a child's income and assets do not cover the parents' needs
This information is for families in Germany who receive basic income support and are assessed together by the Jobcenter as a Bedarfsgemeinschaft. The Federal Government's response clarifies an existing SGB II rule; it does not introduce a new benefit or change the law.
Existing rule in Germany · official clarification published on 3 November 2026
The child's money remains assigned to the child
A child in a Bedarfsgemeinschaft does not have to use their income or assets to meet the needs of other members. A surplus belonging to the child is therefore not transferred to the parents to cover their living costs.
What the Jobcenter may take into account
Under section 9(2), second sentence, SGB II, the parents' income and assets may be taken into account for the child, subject to the applicable rules and protected allowances. The reverse does not apply: the child's income and assets remain assigned to the child.
When the child no longer belongs to the Bedarfsgemeinschaft
If a child can fully meet their own living costs from income or assets, they no longer belong to the Bedarfsgemeinschaft. Any unused protected allowances are then not transferred to other members. The exact calculation depends on the family's circumstances and the Jobcenter's written decision.
Source published:
General information as of publication. Individual circumstances and the responsible institution’s rules may require additional documents or steps.