Life doesn't always go according to plan. Maybe your work situation changed, or you and your partner want to reorganize who takes which months. Good news: You can modify your Elterngeld even after it's been approved.
Modifications to months you haven't received yet are usually straightforward. You submit a change request (Änderungsantrag) to your Elterngeldstelle explaining what you want to change.
A retroactive change is generally limited to the three life months before the life month in which the request arrives. Months whose payments have already been made generally cannot be changed unless there is special hardship.
There is one express exception: a paid ElterngeldPlus month can still be changed to Basiselterngeld. The reverse is not generally available for a paid month.
Send the change request to your Elterngeldstelle. A simple written request is sufficient; no specific federal form is required. State the file reference, the affected life months and the new benefit type or allocation clearly.
Check with your health insurer before changing paid periods, because a change can affect insurance coverage.
Yes, you can request changes as long as the relevant life month has not yet ended. For already completed months, changes are only possible in exceptional cases, e.g., if the change would result in less Elterngeld or in case of serious illness of a parent.
Yes, as long as the relevant life month hasn't started yet, you can change your planning (e.g., switch from Basiselterngeld to ElterngeldPlus or shift months). For ongoing or completed months, changes are only possible in exceptional cases. So plan carefully, but changes are possible if needed.
You must inform your Elterngeldstelle immediately if: You move, child no longer lives with you, you start/end a job, your working hours change, your income changes, your bank details change. Failure to report can lead to reclaims and in worst cases fines.
A provisional decision means your information couldn't be fully verified yet (e.g., tax assessment still missing). You still receive Elterngeld, but the amount may change later. After final review, you'll receive a final decision – possibly with additional payment or reclaim.
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