Child benefit is child's play Information about the online service

Prerequisites

In order to use the online service, the following conditions must be met:

1. Identity card with online function:

• You and the other parent need an identity card with an activated online ID function.
• You need the PIN for your identity card.
• To read your ID card, use the AusweisApp on your smartphone or tablet ➜ Information about the AusweisApp.
• If your online ID function is not yet activated or you have forgotten your PIN, the Digital Guides will be happy to help you ➜ Information about the Digital Guides.

2. Marital status:

• They are married.
• Their marriage took place in Hamburg in 2009 or later.

3. Birth of the child:

• Your child was born in a Hamburg maternity clinic, in the Hamburg Birth Center or in the House for Birth and Health.

4. Employment:

• You and the other parent do not work in the public sector.

5. Child’s place of residence:

• Your child must live with at least one parent.

Important: If you don't meet all the requirements, you unfortunately won't be able to use the online service. In this case, you can use the paper combined form to determine your child's name, apply for child benefit, and order additional birth certificates.

➜ Information on the paper combined form for births in Hamburg birthing facilities

➜ Information on the paper combined form for home births

Documents required

• Electronic identity card with online ID function and PIN
• Information about the child's birth: date, time, place of birth and gender
• Child's name: First name(s) and family name(s)
• Account details for child benefit: Account holder, IBAN and BIC
• For additional certificate orders: Payment details (credit card or Paypal)
• Contact information: Email address and telephone number. These will only be used by the responsible institutions if queries arise.

Please note

Deadlines

Your child's name must be decided within four weeks of birth at the latest.

Procedure

Process in the online service:

1. The mother first completes the identification process. She places her ID card with the online function enabled on her smartphone or tablet and confirms her identity with her PIN.

2. The father then completes the identification process. He also places his ID card with the online function enabled on the smartphone or tablet and confirms his identity with his PIN.

3. The online service requests the data for the surname determination and the child benefit application. Parents then see a summary of all the information and a message with important information. Both parents confirm the information together and submit the form.

4. If parents have ordered additional birth certificates, they will be redirected to the online payment page to pay the fees.

5. The online service sends the messages directly to the registry office and the family benefits office.

Processing time

You will usually receive the requested benefits by mail within approximately 10 days, provided you have submitted all the necessary documents for issuing your birth certificate and applying for child benefit. If any documents or information are missing, the responsible institution will contact you.

Fees

• The use of the online service is free of charge.


• Birth certificates for parental allowance and maternity benefits are provided free of charge.


• You can order additional birth certificates for your personal needs via the online service – these are subject to a fee.

Fee overview:

• First birth certificate: €19.50


• Each additional birth certificate: €8.50

Legal remedies

No

Legal basis

You can find the legal basis in the document "Data protection information for the online service"