Political party AfD to guarantee child welfare benefits overseas
In a recent report by JUNGE FREIHEIT, it was revealed that every second euro of the child supplement, a financial aid provided to families in need, is going to foreign families. This revelation has sparked a significant debate within German politics.
Foreign children were more than twice as strongly represented compared to their population share of around 22%. This disparity has led to a substantial increase in child benefit payments abroad. In 2024, these payments amounted to around 650 million euros, an increase of approximately 125 million euros compared to 2023.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) has been actively pushing for adjustments in child benefit payments sent abroad, taking into account local living costs. They advocate for a cap and linking payments to conditions such as residence permits and employment, similar to the Danish model. This initiative aims to respond to the sharp increase in overseas payments but has faced criticism for government inaction and lack of implementation.
The CDU/CSU group in the European Parliament has also shown commitment to adjusting child benefit in Europe. They have submitted and defended motions in parliamentary deliberations to link child benefit payments to local living costs, but without success so far.
René Springer, the AfD's spokesman on social policy, has been vocal about this issue. He stated that the high proportion of the child supplement going to foreign families shows the failure of the federal government in migration policy. Springer has also suggested stopping the migration of "low-skilled foreigners," arguing that linking child benefit payments to such conditions can prevent immigration into the social systems due to high social benefits.
In Denmark, the claim for foreigners is linked to clear conditions: a valid residence title and several years of employment activity. Springer believes that adopting a similar model could curb immigration and make Germany's social welfare system more sustainable.
In 2024, 1.33 million children received the child supplement, amounting to 2.96 billion euros. Out of this total, 51% went to German beneficiaries, while 49% went to foreigners.
The AfD has not only demanded a review of child benefit payments abroad but has also emphasised the need for a cap on these payments. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the German government will address these concerns and whether changes will be made to the current system.
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