Elterngeld Help

Elterngeld in Hessen

Hessen coat of arms

Everything you need to apply for parental allowance in Hessen. We support Hessen with our pre-filled application in English.

Offices

6 regional offices

Our application

Supported

Hessen processes Elterngeld through 6 regional offices called Hessische Ämter für Versorgung und Soziales (HAVS). Unlike most other states, Hessen uses these Versorgungsämter instead of Jugendämter. You apply at the HAVS office responsible for the region where you live.

How to apply in Hessen

1

Gather your documents

Before you start, collect these documents:

  • •Birth certificate (from the Standesamt after birth)
  • •Your last 12 payslips
  • •A letter from your employer confirming your planned working hours (Arbeitgeberbescheinigung)
  • •Your ID or passport
  • •Tax IDs for you and your child
  • •Maternity allowance confirmation from your health insurance (Mutterschaftsgeld)
2

Fill out the application

Hessen uses the federal application form for births from April 2025 onwards. The form is 23 pages long and entirely in German.

Our guide walks you through every question in English and generates your completed Hessen application as a downloadable PDF.

Start your Hessen application →
3

Submit your application

Bring or send your completed application to the HAVS office for your region. You'll find all Hessen offices listed below.

You can apply as soon as your baby is born. Remember: Elterngeld is only paid retroactively for 3 months, so apply early.

Find your office in Hessen

Submit your application to the Hessisches Amt für Versorgung und Soziales (HAVS) for your region.

Darmstadt

Schottener Weg 3, 64289 Darmstadt

06151 7380

poststelle@havs-dar.hessen.de

Frankfurt

Walter-Möller-Platz 1, 60439 Frankfurt

069 1567-1

post@havs-fra.hessen.de

Gießen

Südanlage 14a, 35390 Gießen

0641 79360

postmaster@havs-gie.hessen.de

Kassel

Mündener Str. 4, 34123 Kassel

0561 20990

poststelle@havs-kas.hessen.de

Wiesbaden

Mainzer Str. 35, 65185 Wiesbaden

0611 71570

poststelle@havs-wie.hessen.de

Office addresses verified April 2026. Based on the Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz (BEEG).

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for Elterngeld in Hessen in English?

The official forms are in German, but our guide lets you fill out the entire application in English. We generate a pre-filled PDF that you can submit directly to your Hessen regional office.

How long does it take to process Elterngeld in Hessen?

Processing times vary by region. You'll receive a written decision (Bescheid) by mail and retroactive payment for all approved months. If you haven't heard back after several weeks, contact your HAVS office directly.

Which office do I submit my application to?

Hessen uses Versorgungsämter (HAVS offices) instead of Jugendämter. There are 6 regional offices. Submit to the one responsible for your area. Check the list above to find yours.

Do I need to speak German to apply?

The forms and correspondence are in German, but you don't need to speak German. Our guide handles the translation for you.

Get your Hessen application in English

Answer simple questions in English. We calculate your amount, plan your months, and generate your pre-filled 23-page Hessen application as a PDF.

Start your Hessen application →