You don't need to know everything about Elterngeld. Just what applies to you.
Work through the seven things that usually matter. Then you know what applies to your case – and how much of the application you want to do yourself.
First things first: can you get it?
These are the four basic requirements. Some residence permits and special situations need a closer look.
- You live in Germany with your child. If you are not an EU citizen, your residence permit must qualify.
- You care for your child yourself after birth.
- You work 32 hours a week or less while you claim.
- Your combined taxable income was under €175,000 in the calendar year before birth.
Which income actually counts?
Elterngeld is based on income from a defined assessment period. For employees this is usually 12 months; self-employed and mixed-income cases follow different rules. Set your details to see what applies to you.
Tap a month with Mutterschutz or Elterngeld for an older child to skip it. The window grows backward to keep 12 full months.
Your average net income across these 12 months is the basis for your Elterngeld.
What could that come to?
Basiselterngeld usually replaces around 65% of lost income; the rate can be higher for lower incomes. The result is between €300 and €1,800 a month. Use the calculator for an initial estimate.
Basis pays more for fewer months, Plus about half for twice as long.
Basis, Plus — and who takes what when?
You share up to 14 months between two parents. The rules in plain English:
- ✓One parent takes at most 12 months. The last 2 need both of you to take part.
- ✓Basiselterngeld pays the full amount. ElterngeldPlus pays at most half, for twice as long. If you earn income after birth, Plus can work better.
- ✓Each parent who claims takes at least 2 months.
- ✓If both of you work an average of 24 to 32 hours at the same time, each of you can receive 2 to 4 consecutive Partnership Bonus months.
- ✓Single parents can take all 14 months alone.
Plan your months across both parents:
✓ All rules met.
The standard rules are enough for some cases. Yours might need a closer look.
Self-employment, foreign income, a job change or an unusual month split? We can go through it with you. See personal advice →
Then there's the application.
You apply after birth to the Elterngeldstelle responsible for your child's place of residence. The form and submission route depend on where you live.
- ✓The length depends on your state and situation: it covers your details, income and chosen months, among other things.
- ✓The other parent signs too if they are also eligible for Elterngeld.
- ✓Foreign documents may need a certified German translation.
Rather not do it yourself? We prepare your full application in 48 hours →
The two dates that matter
Two dates are worth sorting out early. One affects retroactive payment; the other can affect the calculation.
- Apply during the first 3 life months if possible. Elterngeld is paid for no more than 3 life months retroactively.
- Check a possible tax-class change early. The relevant class is generally the one that applied for longer during the assessment period.
- Note your Mutterschutz dates: 6 weeks before birth, 8 weeks after.
What you'll need to collect
Gather these before you start, so you finish in one sitting.
- Birth certificate (the copy marked for Elterngeld).
- Income proof: payslips, or your Steuerbescheid if self-employed.
- Mutterschaftsgeld confirmation, if you received it.
- Further evidence depending on your case, for example a residence permit or income after birth.
A general list is useful. Yours is better.
Answer seven questions and see which forms and supporting documents are likely to apply to your case. No email address.
Check my documents →How much of it do you want to do yourself?
Both are legitimate choices. The difference is how much you want us to take off your hands.