How much Elterngeld will you get?

Elterngeld is a German benefit that replaces part of the income you lose after your child is born. Basiselterngeld normally replaces 65 to 67% of the official Elterngeld net income; the rate can rise to 100% for lower incomes. The basic monthly amount ranges from €300 to €1,800.

Two similar words mean different things:

• •Elterngeld = the benefit paid by the state
• •Elternzeit = job-protected parental leave

Parents often use both together, but you do not have to be on Elternzeit to receive Elterngeld. You do have to meet the eligibility rules and stay within the 32-hour work limit.

The figure on your payslip is not used directly. The Elterngeldstelle calculates an official Elterngeld-Netto from eligible gross income using standard deductions. No more than €2,770 per month is counted.

• •from €1,240 Elterngeld net: 65%
• •from €1,200 down to €1,000: 67%
• •below €1,000: the rate gradually rises, up to 100%

Basiselterngeld is at least €300 and at most €1,800 per month. Income while receiving it is also taken into account.

You can combine Basiselterngeld and ElterngeldPlus. The Partnerschaftsbonus adds extra Plus months if you meet its working-hour rules.

With no income after birth, Basiselterngeld gives you the higher monthly amount. If you plan to work part-time, ElterngeldPlus may fit better and can run for longer. The right mix depends on your working hours and how you want to divide the months.

You can prepare the application during pregnancy, but you can only submit it after birth. The responsible office is the Elterngeldstelle for your child's place of residence.

The deadline that matters: Elterngeld is paid retroactively for no more than three life months. Wait longer and earlier benefit months may be lost.

The documents depend on your situation. The birth certificate is almost always required. Employees usually provide payslips; self-employed parents need different evidence. Your health insurance, work situation and planned income can add further documents.

Our free guide helps you understand your eligibility, estimate the amount and plan your months. If you want to complete the application through a guided form, that is what our DIY product is for.

Parents start with a shared budget of 12 Basiselterngeld months. Two partner months are added if both parents claim Elterngeld and one parent's income from work is reduced in two life months. One parent can generally claim no more than 12 Basis months and must claim Elterngeld for at least two life months.

For births from April 2024, both parents may usually receive Basiselterngeld at the same time for only one life month. Exceptions include multiple births and certain premature births. Longer overlaps are possible as soon as at least one parent receives ElterngeldPlus.

One Basis month can be converted into two Plus months. But 14 Basis months do not automatically become 28 freely placed calendar months: from life month 15 onward, ElterngeldPlus must be received without interruption.

Depending on your situation, you may receive a supplement or additional months:

• •Twins or triplets? You receive an extra €300 per month for the second and every further multiple.

• •Already have young children? If another child under 3, or at least two other children under 6, live in your household, the Geschwisterbonus may add 10%, with a minimum of €75 per month. Longer age limits apply to children with disabilities.

• •Baby born early? A birth at least six weeks before the due date can add extra months, up to four Basis months depending on how early the baby was born.

• •Single parent? If you meet the statutory definition, you can claim the partner months and Partnerschaftsbonus alone.

• •Still studying? Studying is not treated as work for the 32-hour limit. Any job alongside your studies still counts.

• •Self-employed or freelancing? A different assessment period and different income evidence apply. The previous completed tax assessment period is generally used.

Elterngeld is not the only benefit connected with having a child:

• •Kindergeld: currently €259 per month per child. It is separate from Elterngeld and has its own application with the Familienkasse.

• •Maternity benefits: What you receive depends on your employment and health insurance. Maternity benefits for the same child are offset against the Elterngeld of the person who gave birth.

• •Elternzeit: Employees can take up to three years of job-protected parental leave. Elternzeit itself is unpaid.

• •Health insurance: Whether you pay contributions depends on your insurance, work status and other income. Voluntary public and private insurance deserve a closer check.