Family and Child Allowances
Families that are not eligible for child tax exemptions in Germany can get child allowances, which are implemented to try and encourage families to have children. Child benefits are the same amount for the first two kids and go up for every child after the first two. Benefits are availalble until kids reach age 18, and can remain available until kids are 21 if they are unemployed, and 27 if they are continuining their education. There is no age limit for disabled youth.
Another important allowance that discourages women from going back to work after having children is the fact that mothers who spend up to 3 years at home raising children can get a pension that equals about 3 years of working at the average wage.
Compared with the rest of Europe, the German benefits are generous, but not among the leaders.
References
"Germany Country Summary."2004. Columbia University: The Clearinghouse on International Developments in Child, Youth, and Family Policies, Retrieved 10/24/2006 (www.childpolicyintl.org).
