Schulbescheinigung Zur Vorlage Bei Der Familienkasse

Willkommen in Deutschland! Planning a trip or perhaps a longer stay with your family? Navigating the German bureaucracy can seem daunting, but with a little preparation, you can easily understand the requirements. One document you might encounter, particularly if you're receiving child benefits (Kindergeld) while here, is the Schulbescheinigung zur Vorlage bei der Familienkasse. Let's break down what this is, why you need it, and how to obtain it.

Was ist eine Schulbescheinigung? (What is a School Certificate?)

The Schulbescheinigung zur Vorlage bei der Familienkasse, often shortened to simply Schulbescheinigung, is a formal school certificate. Its primary purpose is to provide proof that your child is attending school. It is a crucial document required by the Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office) to continue or initiate Kindergeld payments for children aged 18 and older.

Kindergeld is a financial benefit provided by the German government to support families with children. It's designed to help cover the costs associated with raising children, and it's typically paid monthly. The payments usually continue until the child turns 18. However, in certain circumstances, Kindergeld can be extended until the child's 25th birthday. One of these circumstances is when the child is in education or training. This is where the Schulbescheinigung comes in.

Think of it as official confirmation. The Familienkasse needs tangible evidence that your child is actively pursuing their education or vocational training, not just residing in Germany. The Schulbescheinigung provides this proof directly from the educational institution.

Warum brauchen Sie eine Schulbescheinigung? (Why Do You Need a School Certificate?)

You will need a Schulbescheinigung in the following situations:

Your child is over 18 and still in school: This is the most common reason. If your child is attending a secondary school (e.g., Gymnasium, Realschule, Gesamtschule), vocational school (Berufsschule), or other recognized educational institution after their 18th birthday, you'll need to submit a Schulbescheinigung to continue receiving Kindergeld.
Your child is starting school after turning 18: Even if you weren't previously receiving Kindergeld for an older child, if they start school or vocational training after their 18th birthday, you can apply, and you'll need a Schulbescheinigung as part of the application.
The Familienkasse requests it: The Familienkasse may request a Schulbescheinigung at any time, even if your child is under 18. This is usually for verification purposes or if there's a change in circumstances. Always respond promptly to these requests.
Your child is taking a gap year that includes educational components: If your child is taking a gap year (Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr or similar) that includes recognized educational components, a Schulbescheinigung or equivalent document confirming participation in these components might be required. This can be a complex situation, so contact the Familienkasse directly for clarification.

In essence, the Schulbescheinigung proves that your child is continuing their education and is therefore eligible for continued Kindergeld payments.

Wie erhalten Sie eine Schulbescheinigung? (How to Obtain a School Certificate?)

Obtaining a Schulbescheinigung is usually a straightforward process. Here's how:

Contact the School: The first step is to contact the school your child attends. This could be the school secretary (Schulsekretariat) or the administration office.
Request the Document: Specifically request a "Schulbescheinigung zur Vorlage bei der Familienkasse". It's important to use this exact phrase, as it ensures the school provides the correct type of certificate containing all the necessary information.
Provide Necessary Information: The school might require certain information from you, such as your child's name, date of birth, address, and the Familienkasse file number (Kindergeldnummer). Have this information readily available.
Collect the Certificate: The school will typically issue the Schulbescheinigung within a few days. You can usually collect it in person or have it sent to you by post.
Check the Information: Carefully review the Schulbescheinigung to ensure all the information is accurate, including your child's name, date of birth, the school's name and address, and the period of attendance. Any errors could cause delays with your Kindergeld payments.

Important Notes:

Some schools might have a standardized form for the Schulbescheinigung. Others might create a custom document. Both are acceptable as long as they contain the required information.
There is usually no fee for obtaining a Schulbescheinigung.
Don't wait until the last minute to request the Schulbescheinigung. Allow sufficient time for the school to process your request.

Was steht in einer Schulbescheinigung? (What Information is Included in a School Certificate?)

A typical Schulbescheinigung will include the following information:

School's Name and Address: The full name and address of the educational institution.
Student's Name and Date of Birth: Your child's full name and date of birth.
Confirmation of Attendance: A statement confirming that your child is currently attending the school.
Type of School: The type of school your child is attending (e.g., Gymnasium, Berufsschule).
Start and End Dates (or Expected End Date): The dates when your child started attending the school and, if applicable, the expected end date of their studies.
Stamp and Signature: An official stamp and signature from the school's administration.
Purpose of the Certificate: A clear statement indicating that the certificate is intended for submission to the Familienkasse.

Here's an example of what you might see (translated into English for clarity):

[School Name]
[School Address]

School Certificate for Submission to the Familienkasse

We hereby confirm that [Child's Name], born on [Child's Date of Birth], is a student at our [Type of School] from [Start Date] until [Expected End Date].

This certificate is issued for the purpose of submitting it to the Familienkasse to support a claim for Kindergeld.

[Date]

[School Stamp]
[Signature of School Official]

Was passiert, wenn Sie keine Schulbescheinigung einreichen? (What Happens if You Don't Submit a School Certificate?)

If you fail to submit a Schulbescheinigung when requested or required, the Familienkasse will likely stop your Kindergeld payments. They need this documentation to verify your child's continued eligibility for the benefit. To avoid any interruption in payments, it's crucial to submit the Schulbescheinigung promptly after receiving it from the school.

Einreichen der Schulbescheinigung bei der Familienkasse (Submitting the School Certificate to the Familienkasse)

Once you have obtained the Schulbescheinigung, you need to submit it to the Familienkasse. There are several ways to do this:

Online: This is often the easiest and fastest method. If you have an online account with the Familienkasse, you can usually upload a scanned copy or a clear photograph of the Schulbescheinigung through their website.
By Post: You can send the original Schulbescheinigung by post to the Familienkasse responsible for your case. Make sure to keep a copy for your records. The address will be on any correspondence you've received from them.
In Person: In some cases, you may be able to submit the Schulbescheinigung in person at your local Familienkasse office. Check their website for opening hours and locations.

Important: Always include your Kindergeldnummer (child benefit number) on any correspondence you send to the Familienkasse, including when submitting the Schulbescheinigung. This helps them to quickly and accurately process your request.

Zusätzliche Tipps für internationale Familien (Additional Tips for International Families)

Here are a few extra tips specifically for international families in Germany:

Language Barriers: If you're not fluent in German, don't hesitate to ask for assistance from the school or the Familienkasse. Many schools have staff who speak English or other languages. The Familienkasse also often provides services in multiple languages or can connect you with an interpreter.
Documentation from Abroad: If your child attended school outside of Germany, you might need to provide translated and certified copies of their school records to the Familienkasse. Consult with them directly about the specific requirements.
Early Planning: As your child approaches their 18th birthday, start planning ahead. Contact the school and the Familienkasse to understand the requirements and timelines for submitting the Schulbescheinigung.
Keep Records: Maintain copies of all documents you submit to the Familienkasse, including the Schulbescheinigung. This can be helpful in case of any questions or discrepancies.
Seek Professional Advice: If you're unsure about any aspect of the Kindergeld process, consider seeking advice from a tax advisor (Steuerberater) or a professional specializing in family benefits.

Conclusion

The Schulbescheinigung zur Vorlage bei der Familienkasse is a crucial document for continuing to receive Kindergeld for children over 18 who are still in education or training. By understanding what it is, why you need it, and how to obtain it, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience with the German Familienkasse. Don't hesitate to reach out to the school or the Familienkasse directly if you have any questions. Enjoy your stay in Germany!