These are the four basic conditions. Additional rules can apply, particularly to some non-EU citizens and cross-border cases.
No. Elterngeld is not reserved for German citizens and does not require previous social-security contributions.
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are generally assessed under the basic requirements and European coordination rules. For other nationalities, the exact residence title and sometimes additional conditions matter.
For children born from 1 April 2025, eligibility ends above €175,000 in relevant taxable income in the calendar year before birth.
If another parent also meets the statutory conditions and lives with the child, both taxable incomes are added together. This is not the same as general household income.
You do not need income from work before birth. Students, homemakers and unemployed parents can receive the €300 minimum Basiselterngeld if they meet the other eligibility requirements. Other benefits may have separate offset rules.
Studying itself is not employment for the 32-hour limit. Paid work alongside your studies does count. The free guide checks the basic requirements step by step.
You can receive Elterngeld if you: 1) Care for and raise your child yourself, 2) live with the child in the same household, 3) are not employed or work max. 32 hours per week, 4) live in Germany. It applies to employees, civil servants, self-employed, unemployed, and homemakers.
Yes, absolutely! Elterngeld is for both parents. Fathers can apply for the same benefits as mothers. In fact, it's advantageous if both parents take Elterngeld: You get 14 months together instead of 12 (the 2 additional 'partner months').
Yes, same-sex couples have the same rights as heterosexual couples. For registered partnerships or same-sex marriages, all rules about partner months and Partnerschaftsbonus apply. This also applies for adoptions or when one partner adopts the other's child.
Yes, you can get Elterngeld for adoption or pre-adoption foster care. The life months count from the day the child joins your household, not from birth. The child must be under 8 years old at placement. You need documentation from the youth welfare office or adoption agency.
Our free guide walks you through everything step by step.
Start free guide →