The education package in Germany: money for school, lunch and clubs

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

The Bildungs- und Teilhabepaket is meant to make sure that children from families with little money can take part in what the others do: the class trip, the football club, the lunch in the canteen. Many families who qualify do not apply.

Rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the official source named at the end before you act, and ask the office in your city, because procedures differ from town to town.

Step by step

1. Check whether your child qualifies

   The child is under 18 and goes to a Kita or school, and the family receives Bürgergeld, social assistance, housing benefit (Wohngeld) or the child supplement (Kinderzuschlag). Young people under 25 qualify if they still go to school and do not receive a training wage.

   Done

2. Know what is covered

   School supplies: a fixed sum per school year, paid in two parts (176 euros according to Handbook Germany's 2023 figure; it rises with the standard rates). Day trips and class trips: the actual cost. Lunch at school or Kita: the cost of the shared lunch. Travel to school: the cost of the ticket if the school is too far to walk. Tutoring: if the school confirms that it is needed to reach the class goals. Activities: 15 euros a month for a sports club, music lessons or similar.

   Done

3. Find the right office

   With Bürgergeld it is the Jobcentre. With social assistance, housing benefit or the child supplement it is the office of the town or district named for this, often the social welfare office. The Federal Ministry of Labour lists the offices by town on its website.

   Done

4. Apply before the cost arises

   With Bürgergeld, most parts count as applied for together with the main benefit, apart from tutoring. With housing benefit and the child supplement, you file a separate application. Apply before you pay for something, not afterwards.

   Done

5. Hand in the proof

   Typical papers: the benefit notice, a letter from the school about the trip or the tutoring, the membership confirmation of the club, the lunch contract.

   Done

6. Use the vouchers in time

   Depending on the town, the money goes straight to the school, the club or the caterer, or you get vouchers or a card. Vouchers have an end date. Keep receipts.

   Done

Good to know

Tell the school or Kita that you receive the package. Teachers and secretaries deal with it every day, and it is handled discreetly.

The 15 euros can be saved up over several months for a larger cost, such as a holiday camp or an instrument.

The two benefits that open the door for working families: housing benefit in Germany (Wohngeld) and the child supplement, which you apply for at the Familienkasse together with child benefit (Kindergeld).

Starting school: school enrolment in Germany: how to register your child.

In short: For families on Bürgergeld, social assistance, Wohngeld or Kinderzuschlag: supplies, trips, lunch, travel, tutoring and 15 euros a month for activities. Apply first at the Jobcentre or the town.