How to apply for the Családi pótlék child benefit

CHILD BENEFITS8 min · Updated 27 Oct 2026

💡 In brief

Családi pótlék is a monthly state benefit for children.
The amount depends on the number of children and on whether they are raised by one parent or two.
You can apply online via Ügyfélkapu+ or in person at a Kormányablak.
Changes that affect the benefit must be reported within 15 days.

Családi pótlék is a monthly state child benefit. For the family it is one regular payment, but legally it has two stages: nevelési ellátás — before school (child-rearing benefit) and iskoláztatási támogatás — once the child starts school (schooling support). You don’t need to reapply: when the child starts school, the payment continues automatically.

1Who can receive the benefit

The benefit can be claimed by a parent, adoptive parent or guardian if the child:

lives in the same household;
is supported by them.

The benefit is paid to one parent: if both are entitled, they choose who will be the recipient.

For foreign nationals, eligibility for Családi pótlék depends on the type of residence permit. Often this is a work-related permit, so the benefit is usually claimed by the working parent. If you’re not sure whether your status qualifies, check with a Kormányablak or the Magyar Államkincstár before applying.

2Családi pótlék amounts in 2026

Number of children	Two-parent family	Single-parent family (egyedülálló)
1 child	HUF 12,200	HUF 13,700
2 children	HUF 13,300 per child	HUF 14,800 per child
3 or more children	HUF 16,000 per child	HUF 17,000 per child

3Until what age it is paid

Until the end of compulsory schooling (usually age 16).
Until the end of the school year in which the child turns 20 — if they are still in school, grammar school or a vocational school (not university).
Until age 23 — for children with special educational needs.

4How to apply yourself

You can apply online or in person. Below is how to apply online yourself. You will need Ügyfélkapu+ access.

Log in at magyarorszag.hu.
In the search bar, type: Kérelem családi pótlék megállapítására.
Choose the form: 03 - KÉRELEM CSALÁDI PÓTLÉK MEGÁLLAPÍTÁSÁRA (CST_CSP_01).
Start filling it in by clicking Ügyintézés indítása.
Answer the questions at the start of the application.

Kérjük jelezze ha a Kérelmet korábban beadott igénylés hiánypótlásaként adja be!
Please indicate whether you are submitting this application to complete an earlier claim.

If you have already applied and were asked to send more documents or correct your details, choose “Yes” (Igen). If this is your first application, choose “No” (Nem).

Vér szerinti, örökbefogadott, gyámolt, nevelt gyermeke után kéri a családi pótlékot?
Are you claiming the family allowance for your biological, adopted, ward or foster child?

This is the usual option for parents applying for a child. In most cases, choose “Yes”.

Saját jogán, saját maga után kéri a családi pótlékot?
Are you claiming the family allowance for yourself?

This is a rare case where an adult receives the benefit themselves. Usually the answer is “No”.

Next, fill in:

the applicant’s details (contact details, address, TAJ number, marital status);
your spouse’s or partner’s details;
your child’s or children’s details;
whether you receive similar family benefits from other bodies (normally you don’t);
how you want to be paid and your bank details.

✓

Tip

Családi pótlék can be paid retroactively, but for no more than 2 months before the date of application.

5Which documents you need

For the parent:

passport;
residence permit or permanent residence card;
address card (QR code / lakcím);
TAJ card;
employment contract and/or a certificate from your employer.

You may also be asked for your tax card.

For the child:

passport;
residence permit or permanent residence card;
address card (QR code / lakcím);
TAJ card (not required if the child doesn’t have one yet).

You may also be asked for:

the child’s tax card;
birth certificate;
a certificate from the kindergarten or school.

If the child was born in Hungary:

birth certificate;
tax card (may be requested).

A newborn’s documents (passport, residence permit, address card) can take several months. In practice, the application is approved without them.

6How to apply in person

If you can’t apply online, go to a Kormányablak in person with your original documents.

You will need to fill in a paper application form there (the office usually provides it). You can view and download the form in advance. You will also need a declaration that you do not receive similar benefits in another country.

Source: Magyar Államkincstár — Családi pótlék — details and other ways to apply

7How to report changes

Under the rules, changes that affect Családi pótlék must be reported within 15 days.

If you renewed your residence permit

If your residence permit expired and you received a new one, upload it to the system as soon as possible. Otherwise payments may be suspended until you provide the updated documents.

Online:

Log in at magyarorszag.hu.
In the search bar, type: CST_VALTOZAS_01.
Choose the form: 12 - Folyósítási címvált, számlaszám vált, utalási mód vált, vagy egyéb a folyósítást érintő vált. bejelentése családtámogatási ellátás, és nagycsaládos gázártám. esetén (CST_VALTOZAS_01).
Fill in your current details and upload the new documents for the applicant and the child (residence permits, address cards, etc.).

In person: go to a Kormányablak and bring the new documents (residence permits, address cards, etc.).

Source: Magyar Államkincstár — Családi pótlék — details and other ways to apply

In summary

To keep receiving Családi pótlék, it is important to meet the conditions of the benefit. Unexcused absences can affect the payment: after just 5 days missed in kindergarten or 10 missed compulsory school lessons, the law provides for a warning about the consequences. Payment is suspended while the recipient is away if they stay for more than 3 months in a country outside the EU and EEA that is not covered by an equal-treatment agreement.