Pocket money recommendation at 18: the most important things at a glance
- By law, children have no right to receive pocket money from you — not even if they have reached the age of majority.
- Whether you should continue to pay your child pocket money even at the age of 18 depends on various factors — in particular whether they are still in school.
- There is an official pocket money recommendation for pocket money when you reach the age of majority.
Pocket money at 18 — yes or no?
There is no question that children and young people should receive pocket money. You can find out why this is so important, which rules you should follow and how much you should get at what age in this guide on the subject of “pocket money for young people”.
But what does it look like when your child is already of legal age?
Of course, a lot is now changing before the law. At 18, children legally become adults — They can sign their own contracts, buy (almost) anything they want and stay away in the evening as long as they like.
But let's be honest: Just because your child is now 18 years old doesn't mean you're immediately turning your whole everyday life around, right? Especially if your child is still living at home, nothing will change for now. He continues to go to school, university or continue his education. Just like before. So why should there be any change in pocket money overnight?
You already notice: The pocket money of adults is not only a question of age, but above all a question of your child's living conditions. Whether you should pay out pocket money at all — and if so, how much — depends entirely on what your child is currently doing.
The most important things first: There is no legal obligation to pay pocket money. No matter how old your child is. It is therefore a completely individual decision. We'll show you which factors you should consider when making this decision.
Pocket money at 18 years of age — for students
Many kids still go to school at 18. Yours too? Then you still have some time to think about pocket money. Because as a student, your child is still financially dependent on you even at 18 — and should therefore also receive pocket money for full-age students.
If your child is already working on the side, you can of course take this into account when considering the amount of pocket money. But beware: Don't punish your child for being hard-working. They shouldn't get less pocket money because they still go to work after school is done.
Pocket money at 18 — for students
Your child has already finished school and is now going to study? That's when things look completely different again with pocket money. Because even as a student, your son or daughter doesn't earn their own money — apart from a small part-time job, of course. If you don't live near the university, your child may have already looked for a room in a shared apartment or a small student apartment. And that costs a lot of money, of course.
As a student, your child is no longer just about pocket money, but also about living expenses. There are a lot of changes compared to school time. You should therefore calmly calculate together how much financial support your child needs from you during their studies — and of course how much you can and would like to contribute to it.
Pocket money at 18 — during education and work
Of course, there are also kids who, at 18, have one or even both feet in their working life. Because they are completing an apprenticeship or are starting their careers straight away after school. In general, the following applies: As soon as your child earns their own money, they are no longer fully financially dependent on you. You should therefore decide individually how to deal with it.
For example, if your child moves into their own apartment during their education, they will suddenly have to face a huge mountain of costs alone. With an apprentice salary, things can get tight.
On the other hand, if they still live at home, things look different: How would it be instead if your child pays some housing benefit as a small warm-up on their own rent?
If, on the other hand, your child is already fully employed or registered as unemployed at 18, you are off the hook. Your son or daughter is no longer financially dependent on you and therefore no longer needs pocket money from you.
How much pocket money at 18?
Now you know that pocket money and the age of majority are not mutually exclusive. Let's get straight to the next important question: How much pocket money should adults get?
In return, there is an official pocket money recommendation for the pocket money of adult children, which you can use as a guide: The pocket money table of Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. Therefore, you should pay your child 63 to 79€ per month from the age of 18. The same applies to pocket money at 19 years of age.
But beware: This is just a pocket money recommendation. It comes from experts who don't know your family — and therefore don't even know what your individual situation looks like. It can also make sense to pay your child more or less pocket money. For example, when it already drives a car and uses pocket money to pay for the gas fills.
What are the rules for pocket money for adult children?
At 18, young adults don't want to hear about rules anymore. Understandable, isn't it? Fortunately, the pocket money rules apply more to mom and dad than to the (now grown up) children anyway. But I'm sure you've already followed all the rules and recommendations anyway — even when your child was younger. That's why we'll just briefly summarize the most important 3 for you here:
Rule 1: There is no refill!
Your child is about to enter adult life. It is incredibly important to understand that money is not infinitely available. So don't let yourself be persuaded to give out a few extra euros for the disco evening or the cool sneakers.
It looks different when your child has just moved out and is now unable to fill the refrigerator. In this case, it's best to talk calmly about how much money you need per month. Make a budget and take into account everything that comes in and goes out. If necessary, you should also check out other financing options, such as BAföG inform.
Rule 2: Continue not to interfere!
The pocket money belongs entirely to your child. It can do what it wants with it. You shouldn't check anything and certainly not comment on anything.
Rule 3: Pay pocket money regularly and unsolicited
Your child is now big and doesn't want to depend on you anymore. That's why it doesn't want — and shouldn't — ask you for money. Pay pocket money regularly and unsolicited for this reason. It's easier if you the Bling Card or you set up a standing order on your child's current account.
Also helps adult kids become money wise: The Bling Card
Did you know that the Bling Card also helps adults to have their finances under control? It's not just about being able to manage pocket money easily. The savings pots help your child keep track of all savings projects. This is also a real help for students and trainees with their own homes — so they always know exactly how much money they still have available for leisure activities.
You can find out more about it here.
