Elterngeld Help

ELTERNGELD

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Everything you need to know about Elterngeld

Topic Guides

Elternzeit

Up to 3 years of job-protected parental leave. How to request it, your rights, and how it works with Elterngeld.

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Mutterschutz

6 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth, with full pay. Who qualifies, how to apply, and how it connects to Elterngeld.

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Elterngeld Calculator

See your personal Elterngeld amount based on your income and plan. Free, in English, no signup.

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Elterngeld Guide

The complete English guide to German parental allowance. Who qualifies, how much you get, how to plan your months.

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Application Guide

Step-by-step through the 23-page application. Documents, deadlines, common mistakes, and where to submit.

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Expats & Visa

Which visas qualify, what documents you need, and what to watch out for as a non-German parent.

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Browse by topic

Eligibility
Who is eligible for Elterngeld?Can foreigners get Elterngeld?Blue Card holdersWhich visa types qualify?Income limit: €175,000
Types of Elterngeld
The three types explainedBasiselterngeldElterngeldPlusPartnerschaftsbonusWhich type is best for me?
Calculation
How Elterngeld is calculatedWhy some people get 67%Minimum & maximum amountsAssessment period: Which months count?GeschwisterbonusTwins & multiples
Working & Elterngeld
The 32-hour ruleHow income affects your paymentWhy Plus pays more for part-timeSelf-employed parentsMinijob while on Elterngeld
Application
When to applyStep-by-step guideDocument checklistWhere to applyChanging your application
Planning
Splitting months between parentsSingle parentsPremature birthElternzeit vs ElterngeldFinding your optimal strategy
Special Cases
StudentsCivil servants (Beamte)Multiple jobsAdoption & foster children
Related Benefits
MutterschaftsgeldKindergeldHealth insurance during ElterngeldTax implications

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