What will change for parents in 2026 – An overview for families

The year 2026 will bring numerous changes that families will feel in their daily lives and finances. Some reforms are already in place, others are still under discussion – but one thing is clear: things will change significantly for parents. This article explains the most important points concisely and clearly.

1. More money for families: Child benefit & tax allowances

One of the key changes in 2026 concerns financial support for children:

• Child benefit increases: From January 1, 2026, parents will receive €259 per child per month – €4 more than in 2025. Payment is automatic ; no application is necessary. ( Federal Employment Agency )

• Child tax allowance is being increased: The tax allowance for children is also being raised – which can reduce the tax burden for parents if the allowance is more advantageous than child benefit. ( family service )

➡️ Overall, this means: more money in the family budget without additional bureaucracy . ( Citizen's Income )

2. Parental allowance & eligibility rules

There are also important rules regarding parental allowance that parents should know:

• The income threshold for eligibility for parental allowance will remain at €175,000 taxable income from 2026 onwards. Above this threshold, there is no entitlement. ( beatvest.com )

• This limit was already lowered in 2025; for 2026 this means: no further relief, but existing regulations remain in place . ( Federal Government )

👉 Parents who plan to claim parental allowance should include this in their family and financial planning.

3. Legal entitlement to full-day childcare

A very big step concerns the care of school children:

• From the 2026/27 school year onwards , first-grade students throughout Germany will have a legal right to all-day childcare . ( Family Portal NRW )

• This entitlement is then extended by one grade level each year, so that older grades are gradually included as well.

• The aim is to improve childcare, education, and the compatibility of family and career . ( Family Portal NRW )

💡 For many parents, this means more planning security and better childcare options for their school children.

4. Further financial and legal innovations

In addition to the key points, there are other changes that may affect parents:

🔹 Higher tax allowances & tax relief: The basic tax allowance and therefore also family-related tax allowances are increasing – this can save several hundred euros annually. ( Citizen's Allowance )

🔹 Increased minimum wage & mini-job limit: The minimum wage is rising to approximately €13.90 per hour , and the earnings limit for mini-jobs is being raised. This affects many parents who work part-time or in mini-jobs. ( DIE WELT )

🔹 Child sickness benefit remains important: The regulations for child sickness benefit for 2026 continue to guarantee financial assistance, even when the child is hospitalized with the parent – ​​in certain cases, parents no longer need to visit a doctor's office for sick notes. ( Die Techniker )

🔹 Child support payments are rising: Higher support rates may be relevant for separated parents. ( DIE WELT )

5. Conclusion: What parents can expect in 2026

The year 2026 brings a mix of financial relief, new rights for care, and greater predictability :

✔️ A little more money through child benefit & tax allowances
✔️ Clear rules regarding parental allowance
✔️ Expansion of all-day care in primary schools
✔️ Minor improvements in working conditions and social benefits

Tip for parents: Many benefits will be adjusted automatically (e.g., child benefit), while others still require careful planning (e.g., parental allowance, full-day childcare places). A good overview and early applications or consultations can help you get the most out of the new regulations.