From 2025, the family allowance amount per child is 138.40 Euro from birth, 148.00 Euro from age 3, 171.80 Euro from age 10, and 200.40 Euro from age 19. There is a sibling scaling for each additional child. The child tax credit is transferred together with the allowance and amounts to 70.90 Euro per child per month in 2025.

I personally received after one child approximately 169 Euro, and they work very well because they send me all the documents after a few days of my birth for an update. So after two children, I will receive approximately 418 Euro. But as your children turn older, you receive more money; for example, for two 18-year-olds, 447.00 Euro per month.

Let’s break down what a typical family with two children might receive over 24 years, assuming both children complete their education:
The system cleverly adjusts payments as children grow, recognizing that costs increase with age. The monthly payments start at 114 Euro for infants and increase progressively, reaching 193.20 Euro for students aged 19-24. Add to this the monthly Kinderabsetzbetrag (child tax credit) of 58.40 Euro per child.

Running the numbers for two children (assuming they’re born two years apart), the raw total comes to around 141,000 Euro before inflation. Factor in an average inflation rate of 2% over this period, and the real-world value jumps to approximately 225,000-235,000 Euro. And this is the money you spend in the Austrian Billa, Hofer, Penny, or other shops or shopping malls, and you buy food and things you need, and this money is running in the local economy, which is a great thing. When I go to an Interspar in Vienna, I pay around 100-150 Euro at once for food and basic needs, so you need this money.

What’s particularly interesting is how the payments are structured:
Birth to age 3: 8,208 Euro for both children
Ages 3-10: 20,479 Euro for both
Ages 10-19: 35,662 Euro for both
Ages 19-24 (during studies): 23,184 Euro for both
Child tax credits total: 33,638 Euro
Plus sibling bonuses and supplements

Remember, these figures assume both children study until age 24, which is quite common in Austria. (I also did and finished my Master’s in Austria at age 26). The system is designed to support not just early childhood but to help young adults complete their education without financial pressure on families. Studying is also very affordable in Austria, and if you work and study beside you will get tax reductions. Not without reason it is my favourite country, and I love that everybody is smiling at you, and it is a well-working system. For sure, you need to work in this country and speak German fluently if you want a nice career, but it pays off.

What strikes me most about these numbers is how they demonstrate Austria’s long-term commitment to family support. While monthly payments might seem modest in isolation, the cumulative effect over two decades creates a substantial safety net for families. The system’s progressive nature, increasing payments as children age, recognizes the reality that raising children becomes more expensive as they grow. From school supplies to university costs, the system adapts to families’ changing needs.

Of course, these are approximate calculations, and actual amounts will vary based on policy changes, inflation rates, and individual circumstances. However, they provide a compelling picture of how Austrian family policy translates into real-world support over the long term.

What’s your experience with family benefits? Have you ever calculated the long-term value of your family allowance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Note: This post uses 2024 rates for calculations. Always check current rates with Finanzamt or official sources for the most up-to-date information.

Comparing Family Benefits: Austria vs Hungary

The difference in family benefits between these neighboring countries is quite striking. While in Austria, a family receives about 209.30 Euro per month (about 81,627 HUF) for one child in 2025, in Hungary, the total monthly support is only 22,200 HUF (approximately 57 Euro) per child.

This means an Austrian family receives nearly four times more support than a Hungarian family. On an annual basis, Austrian families get about 2,511 Euro (979,000 HUF) per child, while Hungarian families receive only 266,400 HUF (683 Euro) per child.

The gap becomes even more significant when considering that Austrian benefits increase with the child’s age and are regularly adjusted for inflation while also having higher purchasing power due to higher wages and standard of living.

Let me share some practical tips about preparing financially for pregnancy, as this is something I learned through both personal experience and observing other mothers in different European countries.

The best time to start saving is at least a year before your planned pregnancy. Why? Because this gives you enough buffer to create what I call a maternity nest egg.

First, calculate your current monthly expenses and multiply them by 18 months (this covers pregnancy and the first few months after birth when expenses are higher). Then, aim to save at least 30% of this amount before pregnancy. I know it sounds like a lot, but remember – you’re planning for a life-changing event!

Here are some practical investment ideas that worked for me and other moms I know (This is not a financial advice):
Low-risk investments are your best friends during this period. I personally focused on:
Government bonds (particularly in countries with strong economies like Austria or Germany)
Conservative ETFs that track major European indices

One clever strategy I’ve seen work well is creating a baby expenses ladder investment: Start with a larger sum in a 6-month certificate of deposit, then another in a 12-month, and so on. This way, you have money maturing at different points during your maternity leave when you might need it most.

Remember, financial planning for maternity isn’t just about saving – it’s about creating a sustainable system that works for your family’s unique situation. Whether you’re in Vienna or Budapest, the key is to start early and think long-term. After all, as we’ve seen from the benefits comparison between countries, having your own financial backup can make a significant difference, especially if you’re in a country with lower state support.

In my experience, the most successful maternal financial planning combines both state benefits and personal savings. Think of it as building your own supplementary maternity support system – one that gives you the freedom to focus on your new role as a mother without constant financial stress.

What’s your experience with preparing financially for maternity? Have you tried any of these investment strategies? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!