Parental contributions for school childcare

Parent Fees for After-School Care

The amount of the fee is based on income. This is governed by the City of Bochum’s ordinance on the collection of parental fees for the use of services at daycare centers, in family daycare, and in after-school care programs (Parental Fee Ordinance).

• Regulations on Parent Fees for Child Day Care

• Beitragstabellen ab dem 01.08.2025

After the contract for after-school care is signed, the School Administration Office will request that you provide a self-assessment of your current annual income. Based on this, the parental contribution—which is payable monthly—will be determined. At a later date, the self-assessment will be verified using proof of income.

Please note the Privacy Policy.

Who is required to pay a parental contribution?

Parents, a parent, or persons legally equivalent to parents with whom the child demonstrably lives primarily or exclusively are required to pay contributions.

When is the parent fee due?

The due dates are listed in the assessment notice. The current contribution is due on the 1st of each month.

What happens when parents separate?

The parent or legally equivalent person with whom the child lives primarily or exclusively is responsible for making payments. Only that person’s income is taken into account. In the case of a shared custody arrangement, both parents remain responsible for making payments.

Which income is taken into account?

What matters is the income actually earned during the calendar year.

Is gross or net income taken into account?

"Positive income" as defined by the Income Tax Act is taken into account: gross income minus income-related expenses. For self-employed individuals, the profit stated in the tax assessment notice is the determining factor.

What else counts as income?

• Spousal Support

• Income replacement benefits (e.g., Unemployment Benefit I)

• Child support for the child in care

• Parental Allowance

• tax-exempt income (e.g., from part-time jobs, severance pay, bonus payments)

• Pensions

• Retirement Benefits

• Sick Pay

• Maternity Benefits

• BAföG

• Scholarships

• Public benefits to cover living expenses

What documents must be submitted when participating for the first time?

The “Binding Declaration of Parental Income” form is always required. This form serves as the basis for the preliminary calculation. The income for the current calendar year is used for this purpose. It is not necessary to visit the office in person to submit the declaration.

Recipients of transfer payments (e.g., ALG II / Bürgergeld, benefits for asylum seekers, social assistance) must also include a copy of their current benefit notification.

In addition, the tax assessment notice and the tax return for December of each calendar year in which the child is cared for must be submitted without being requested.

Can the parent fee be changed after it has been set?

Yes. If there is a change in income, the amount is recalculated. The annual income is the determining factor, so the premium is recalculated for the entire year.

How is a change in income taken into account?

Changes in financial circumstances must be reported immediately and supported by documentation. Examples of such documentation include the first pay stub from the new employer or a notice of benefits from a public assistance program. Since the calculation is based on annual income, the most recent pay stub from the previous employer is also required.

Once the documents have been received, an estimate of your annual income will be made and a notice of change will be issued. Adjustments to your payments should not be made until you have received the notice of change.

For what period are parent fees due?

Parent fees are due for each month in which a valid childcare contract is in effect. Fees are always charged for the full month.

What options are available in the event of late payments?

If an additional payment cannot be made in a single lump sum, you may submit a request for payment in installments to the School Administration Office.

Who is eligible for an exemption from parent fees?

An exemption is available for recipients of:

• Benefits Under SGB II (Citizen's Income)

• Benefits under Chapters 3 and 4 of SGB XII

• Benefits under Sections 2 and 3 of the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act

• Housing Allowance under the Housing Allowance Act

• Child Supplement under Section 6a of the Federal Child Allowance Act

The exemption applies for the verified duration of benefit receipt in each case.

What are the rules for siblings?

If several children from the same family attend a fee-based after-school care program at the same time, the parental fee for after-school care is reduced by 50%. Starting with the third child, the fees are waived entirely.

What should you keep in mind when moving?

Moving is the School Administration Office notify us immediately.

I'd like to have the payment deducted—what do I need to do?

A direct debit form is available for recurring payments.
Fill out the direct debit form online

Is the tax-deductible child allowance taken into account when calculating contributions?

The recognized tax deductions for children under Section 32 of the Income Tax Act (EStG) are deducted from the calculated income starting with the third child. The income tax assessment serves as proof. Tax deductions for the first and second children are not taken into account.

Are tuition fees tax-deductible?

Parent fees may be claimed as child care expenses to reduce taxable income on your income tax return. Certificates verifying payment of these fees are not issued.

We are in a registered partnership—what do we need to keep in mind?

The income of the biological parent in whose household the child lives primarily or exclusively is taken into account. The income of the partner is only taken into account if the child has been adopted.