Elterngeld uses income from employment and self-employment in the relevant assessment period. Rental income and investment income do not count as income from work for this calculation.
For employees, the period is usually twelve calendar months before the birth month, with statutory exclusions. For self-employed or mixed income, tax-year periods usually apply. A freelance side job is therefore not irrelevant: it can change which period is used for all your income.
The amount on your payslip is not copied into the Elterngeld calculation. The Elterngeldstelle starts with the income recognized under the statutory rules and calculates a standardized net figure. It deducts:
The standard replacement rate is 67% of your calculated net income. It changes based on how much you earned:
If you meet the eligibility requirements, Basiselterngeld is at least €300 per month even without income before birth. Without income after birth, it is capped at €1,800 per month.
ElterngeldPlus is at least €150 and no more than €900 per month. If you work after birth, the calculation uses the difference between your income before and after birth, so the result needs more than a simple percentage of your old salary.
Calculate an estimate using the income that applies to your case.
Your average monthly net income from employment counts. For employees: the 12 calendar months before the birth month. For self-employed: the last completed tax year before birth. Months with maternity protection, Elterngeld for an older child, or pregnancy-related illness can be excluded.
The Elterngeldstelle calculates an 'Elterngeld net' using a fixed formula: Gross income minus taxes (flat rate by tax class) minus social contributions (flat 21%). This may differ from your actual net! One-time payments (Christmas bonus, bonuses) don't count. Tax-free supplements (night work, etc.) also don't count.
Yes, it can be worthwhile! The parent who should receive more Elterngeld should be in tax class III (less tax deduction = higher net = higher Elterngeld). The change must happen at least 7 months before the birth month to apply to all 12 assessment months.
The official Elterngeld calculator is at www.familienportal.de. You can try different scenarios: Basiselterngeld vs. ElterngeldPlus, different splits between parents, effects of part-time work. The calculator gives a non-binding estimate – the exact amount is calculated by the Elterngeldstelle.
Why some people get 67%
€1,000 to €1,200 Elterngeld-Netto: the replacement rate is 67%.
Read moreGeschwisterbonus: Extra for siblings
10% bonus; the minimum is €75 for Basiselterngeld and €37.50 for ElterngeldPlus.
Read moreHaving twins? Extra money
Basiselterngeld: €300 extra per month for each additional child.
Read moreOur free guide walks you through everything step by step.
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